Councillors have warned that failing to follow the longstanding practice of having the local priest bless new developments could have broader societal implications.
They expressed surprise and concern that no blessings were carried out at the openings.
Pointing out that religion is valued and respected in Ireland, councillors suggested that in the future, representatives of all faiths should be invited to bless new developments for the benefit of their communities.
Last Friday, two new housing developments were officially opened by Minister for Housing James Browne, one at Bog Gate Demesne in Westport and another at Murrevagh Close in Mulranny.
On Sunday, September 21, Westport Athletic Club opened its new track at Horkan’s Hill, marking a significant upgrade for local sports facilities.
Cllr John O’Malley said that members of the local community had approached him to express their disappointment that Father Kenny, the local priest, did not bless the track and the housing development in Westport.
He emphasised that, although he was not an overly religious man himself, he recognised the importance of the tradition of new developments receiving blessings.
Cllr O’Malley explained that it is traditional for the local priest to bless new developments, and that usually, all community projects receive such blessings.
By not following this step, he warned, society might be moving away from some of its long-established traditions.
“I think we are creating a very bad society for ourselves,” he said. “In future, we want to make sure that developments get the blessing of a priest when it is a public project like that.”
Cllr O’Malley told the meeting that there had been an objection to the track being blessed, so it wasn’t done.
Fellow councillor, Brendan Mulroy, shared Cllr O’Malley’s concerns, admitting he was taken aback when he realised no blessing had been carried out.
He said Fr Kenny deserved more respect and highlighted the importance of including religious representatives in such ceremonies.
“People should be asked to do their own blessings; we should have no fear of that,” he said,
“All religions in Westport should be invited. Whatever community we have there, we bring all religious groups to bless a house or any [development] that opens up,
“We as a council should not be taking part in making sure the priest does not give a blessing, or the Church of Ireland or other communities. As a council, we need to be more proactive on that. Who are we answering to?”
He added: “Normally we are dealing with potholes or chasing officials looking for jobs to be done, but this week it has been holy water we’ve been dealing with.”
The new housing development at Murrevagh Close in Mulranny was officially opened Friday 26th September.
Cathaoirleach of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr Peter Flynn, agreed that it was unusual for Fr Kenny not to be invited to perform a blessing at the official openings.
“As Father Ted said, I think, that is an ‘ecumenical matter’ rather than a council matter to a degree,” he said. However, he added that if a local priest or reverend attends an event, they should have a formal role in the official opening.
Councillors emphasised that ensuring blessings are carried out and that all religious groups are included in the future, can help to strengthen the community and uphold tradition, while acknowledging Ireland’s diverse religious landscape.