Airshow planned for Westport
Last week the Connaught Telegraph reported that an air display was planned for Westport on Sunday 14th May. The year 2017 marks the 250th anniversary of the town of Westport which was established in 1767. The organiser behind the display is understood to be the Westport 250 committee which is made up of volunteer members of the historical society, Mayo County Council, Westport House, tourism bodies in Westport, elected councillors, the Chamber of Commerce, Tidy Town committee and volunteers. The Westport 250 committee has lodged an application with Mayo County Council for the event to take place at the Quay in conjunction with a funfair and food market. It is expected to attract crowds in excess of 5,000.
Back in December, Westport received a special fund of €70,000 to help mark its 250th birthday. The allocation was agreed by Mayo County Councillors. Following the announcement, Chairman of the 250 Committee and Independent Councillor Christy Hyland said he was “delighted this funding has been set aside for such an important milestone for Westport” The celebration will run all year long and will include an Air Show, a historical conference, children’s arts festival, a worldwide gathering of Mini car enthusiasts as well as the return of the Westports of the World.
The IAA State Safety Plan from 2016-2019 has indicated a review is underway of the policies and procedures in place for the conduct of air displays in Ireland to ensure that they incorporate the latest recommendations arising from the Shoreham Airshow crash in August 2015. New rules in the UK significantly curtailed the number of smaller airshows and air displays in 2016 and similar rules in Ireland would likely have a comparable effect.
The Westport250 committee would not confirm any further details to FlyingInIreland.
About the Author
Mark Dwyer Mark is an airline pilot flying the Boeing 737 for a major European airline. In addition he is also a Type Rating Instructor, Type Rating Examiner and Base Training Captain on the B737. Outside of commercial flying Mark enjoys flying light aircraft from the smallest 3 Axis microlights up to heavier singles. He is also an instructor and EASA Examiner on single engines and a UK CAA Examiner. He flies the Chipmunk for the Irish Historic Flight Foundation (IHFF). Mark became the Chairman of the National Microlight Association of Ireland (NMAI) in 2013 and has overseen a massive growth in the organisation. In this role he has worked at local and national levels. In 2015, Mark won ‘Upcoming Aviation Professional Award’ at the Aviation Industry Awards sponsored by the IAA. Mark launched this website back in 2002 while always managing the website, he has also been Editor and Deputy Editor of FlyingInIreland Magazine from 2005 to 2015.
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