The biennial clean-up of the Mall River, or more correctly the Carrowbeg River, is underway. The river, as it flows through the centre of Westport, is not on its natural course. It has been canalised through the town as a feature.

Construction of the new route started around the early 1800s at a reported cost of £10,000 to Lord Sligo. The boulevard or Mall was planned as part of the centre-piece of Westport with wide, tree-planted streets.

It was decided to re-route the river to go straight through the town centre, away from its natural course which is north of the North Mall! During construction the river path was widened under the Fairgreen Bridge at Bridge House to allow the diverted river to flow easily, even in flood. This would cater for any water surge along the redirected route.

The river bed and river walls were constructed to support the new route from the Fairgreen Bridge through the town centre to the back of the Library where it returns to its natural course. It is a magnificent feat of engineering. Over the years during serious........

© The Mayo News