Depopulated rural Mayo needs influx of refugees

I hope, when the refugees are being divvied up in Ireland, that the stretch of north-west Mayo along the Wild Atlantic Way, from Ballycastle to Bangor Erris, is not forgotten, as is usually the case.

We have too much of everything here, from shops to churches, that the local population is unable to sustain.

There is an unused hotel/shop/pub in Belderg, for a start, that could comfortably house at least two families.

Who knows, maybe even the local school there — closed for years — may be reopened with the help of the children from these families.

Another hotel, in Geesala, that is struggling to attract tourists, could also be used.

Of course, if my previous missives concerning these points are anything to go by, I am wasting my time with this, as well; still, no harm in flogging a dead horse, is there?

Did I mention all those houses in NAMA, which are allegedly in this area, and nobody can find out if they are for sale or not?

No?

Well, I have now.

Liam Power

Srahanarry

Bangor Erris

Ballina

Co. Mayo