Councillors in the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District have described the removal of the word ‘Ballycroy’ from the name of Mayo’s National Park as “an insult” to the people of the local area, writes Paul O’Malley.

Representatives of the Wild Nephin National Park failed to attend yesterday’s municipal meeting, which took place in Ballycroy Community Centre, arguing that the name had already been formally adopted by the Minister for Heritage Malcolm Noonan.

Cllr Paul McNamara said this was news to him.

Cllr Paul McNamara described the removal of the word ‘Ballycroy’ from the name of Mayo’s National Park as “an insult” to the people of the local area.

“We had discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service about this and we were to speak to the minister. This never happened and now we are being told the name has changed and it is not up for discussion.

“This is an insult to the people of Ballycroy.”

Mr McNamara proposed writing to the minister to raise the issue again, while Cllr Sean Carey said he was shocked and disappointed to hear that the name change has been formally adopted.