Mayo County Council is being urged to implement an immediate programme of works, to prepare Ballina for a possible visit by US President Joe Biden next month.
The Cathaoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District has called on the local authority to pull out all the stops, for what he said is a "once in a lifetime opportunity" for the town.
Councillor Mark Duffy said he expects Mr Biden will travel to Ballina on 14 April. He has asked that the council begins work immediately to ensure the area is ready for any visit.
Full details of the US President’s Irish trip have yet to be confirmed but he has spoken on a number of occasions of his desire to return to Co Mayo.
His great-great-grandfather, Edward Blewitt, emigrated from the area to America, in the mid 1800s.
Cllr Duffy has written to officials requesting a focused series of improvements around Ballina over the next fortnight.
He has asked that all road sweepers in the county be deployed to the town and said decorative works need to be completed as early as possible.
The Independent councillor has also requested that funding be made available to allow groups to purchase flags and bunting or to carry out additional painting or planting works.
Any visit by President Biden would have an added significance, given that this year the town is celebrating the 300th anniversary of its establishment.
Big excitement in Ballina over possibility of Joe Biden visit
