After many years of delay and frustration, it seems that the way is being finally cleared for the replacement of Glenisland Bridge on the main road from Castlebar to Erris, according to Castlebar based Fianna Fail councillor, Martin McLoughlin.
The councillor has been heading the campaign for the realignment of the narrow, twisting section of the R312, which carries heavy volumes of traffic from north Mayo to the county town.
Cllr McLoughlin said this week: "The realignment of the R312 at Glenisland bridge, and the erection of a new bridge and the removal of a succession of dangerous bends, will be the number one priority for the Castlebar Municipal District in the coming year.
"Mayo County Council is awaiting a favourable response from an Bord Pleanala so that work can commence this year on the replacement of Glenisland bridge, known locally as Bunahowna."
Cllr McLoughlin said that the R312 was a vital link for the communities of the barony of Erris and in particular for emergency vehicles providing hospital access to Castlebar and beyond, stating: "The Glenisland bridge bottleneck has been a source of danger and delay to motorists for very many years and I am looking forward to Mayo County Council receiving the green light for major improvements there in the very near future."
