The members of the Castlebar Municipal District welcomed the news that an Bord Pleanála had given the green light to the new N5 Westport to Turlough project that will see 23.7km of roadway constructed from Westport to Turlough, which will include an eastern bypass of Castlebar. However there were concerns expressed by some councillors that it could have a detrimental effect on businesses in Castlebar.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Al McDonnell said: “I welcome the news but I do think that in the long term it could have a negative impact on the town. I know from talking to a number of retailers in the town centre that they are preparing for a 15 to 20 per cent reduction income due to the town being bypassed.”
Sinn Féin Cllr Therese Ruane said: “I absolutely agree. We’ve got a project here that when finished will be directing people around the town here and straight into Westport.”
Cllr Frank Durcan said: “The road needs to be built and it’s something that is happening all over the country, but the road is needed.”
