Minister Michael Ring has confirmed that the Government has allocated €22,355,208 for the improvement and maintenance of roads in Mayo in 2019 including €700,000 for Clongullane Bridge on the N26 between Swinford and Foxford.
The allocation for improvements of roads in Mayo is €21,058,639 while the allocation for Maintenance of roads is €1,296,569. Minister Ring said this is a significant and much needed grant allocation which will allow for the maintenance and improvements on regional and local roads in Mayo in 2019.
“Well-maintained roads will lead to less costs for vehicle repair, a reduction in journey times and, crucially, safer roads for us all to travel on. This is further proof of the Government’s commitment to improving connectivity in rural areas," he said.
Senator Michelle Mulherin welcomed the news especially the funding for Clongullane Bridge saying: "I have been working to resolve this issue in both the Dail and Seanad since 2012 and it was my unwavering priority and campaign to deliver a new Cloongullane Bridge, a vital part of the upgrading of the N26, for the future development of North and East Mayo.
“It is expected that work on the realignment of 1.8km of the N26 and an 83m bridge across the River Moy will begin by Q4 2019 following further design, land acquirement and putting the project out for tender.
"Mammoth work and funding over the years was put in to get to this point. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen - Mayo County Council and National Parks and Wildlife Service and Inland Fisheries Ireland and to all business and community stakeholders, my local Councillors John O’Hara, Jarlath Munnelly and Neil Cruise and everyone who supported the campaign.
"It is a great and long-awaited day for North and East Mayo. We can now move forward to develop the type and standard of national road we need into the area."
Mayo County Council also welcomed the news that An Bord Pleanala has given the green light for works to take place at Cloongullane Bridge, Swinford.
The realignment of 1.8km of the N26 and an 83m bridge across the River Moy has been a priority of the council for some time and it is anticipated works will begin by Q4 2019 following further design, land acquirement and putting the project out for tender.
Peter Hynes, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, said it is great news that permission has been granted for works at Cloongullane bridge on the N26 between Swinford and Foxford.
"This is an important stretch of road between Swinford and Ballina and the works will improve access from East Mayo through to the North of the county.”
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Blackie Gavin, also welcomed the news; “I welcome the decision by An Bord Pleanala to give the realignment works at Cloongullane Bridge approval to progress. These works are a priority for Mayo County Council and I look forward to seeing the completed project.”
Head of Roads with Mayo County Council, Paul Dolan, said they hope to begin work in late 2019 following a period of design and land acquirement. Once a tender has been chosen they anticipate works will begin soon after.
