A footpath to border the heavy traffic passing through Mulranny village has been given funding commitment by the National Roads Authority, Belmullet area councillors were informed during the September monthly meeting.
A notice of motion was put forward by Councillor Michael McNamara to source funding for footpaths in Mulranny village, who was informed by Joe Beirne, director of services for the area, that NRA funding is required, as it is on the N59 - “and the NRA have indicated that they are prepared to fund the scheme”, Mr Beirne added.
Michael Lyons, engineer, outlined that the 735 metres of footpath, from the national school to the existing footpath which is east of the village, would need land acquisition and road widening. Negotiations are taking place to purchase land and provide car parking spaces, and it is hoped a submission to the NRA will be in by the end of October. However, if there is no co-operation from landowners, then a CPO will be required.
Mr Beirne said that NRA budgets will also be slashed from €1 billion to €270 million by 2013, however they have given a commitment and “it is edging forward”.
Chairman of the committee Cllr Gerry Coyle welcomed the news; however he said it “never ceases to amaze me” that the NRA spend millions on advertising campaigns, yet leave roads in absolutely dreadful conditions, where someone could be killed when walking.
