A list of 20 Mayo road and sewerage projects previously announced but not yet completed, have been compiled by The Construction Industry Federation (CIF ) which claims they could be advanced if the Government secures an EU stimulus package.
The list includes sewerage and water supply schemes in Belmullet, Foxford, Charlestown/Cong/Killala/Lough Mask/Ballinacarrow/Cliffoney Grange/ Standhill/ Tubbercurry and Lough Talt.
Road projects on the list include: N17 Tuam to Claremorris; N17 Tobercurry to Knock including Charlestown Bypass; N26 Ballina to Bohola (Stage 2 ); N59 Ballina Relief Road; N59 Crossmolina to Ballina; N59 South Westport Relief Road; N60 Castlebar to Claremorris; N83 Ballyhaunis Outer Distributor Road; N84 Ballinrobe as well as a miscellaneous project listed as Westport Town Hall.
Nationally, the CIF has identified 52 road projects, 319 water service projects, 11 third level projects, 10 health projects, six justice projects, three motorway service areas, and 13 miscellaneous projects which could be pushed forward by the package. The projects are geographically spread throughout the country with 55 in Dublin, 55 in Cork, 29 in Galway, and most counties included in the list.
CIF director general Tom Parlon said: “Since the possibility of an EU stimulus package was first suggested, the CIF has been looking into what projects could be included, including 20 projects based in Mayo. By going through Government published data and intelligence provided by our own members, we have been able to compile this list which identifies hundreds of projects all around Ireland that could benefit from the EU stimulus deal.
“The projects listed are labour intensive and fit in with the Government’s ongoing investment priorities. They would also help stimulate economic growth, not just in selected areas but on a nationwide basis. For a stimulus package to be really effective we need to see a very wide impact, which would not be regionally specific. If this list of projects were implemented then there would be a boost in employment and investment in practically every county in Ireland.
“All that remains is for the Government to secure the package. While it was first mentioned while the country was in the midst of the EU Fiscal Treaty Referendum campaign, there has been very little movement or commentary from Government on the package since.
“The CIF hopes that by publishing this list of potential projects it will help sharpen Government thinking on the potential stimulus package. By seeing just how many projects could be impacted by this deal, we believe it could help further the resolve of the Government to advance negotiations with their European partners. We hope this list will act as a strong flavour of what can be achieved if the stimulus package is finalised in the near future,” Mr. Parlon concluded.
