The Government announced almost €19 million for roadworks and bridge projects yesterday which will be used on many specific projects around the county. Welcoming the announcement of the allocation, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, said: “I am delighted to announce the allocation of €18,927,613 which includes funding for restoration improvement [€9,740,161], restoration maintenance [€2,741,647], discretionary grants [€4,558,280], bridge rehabilitation [€584,525], specific improvement grants [€600,000], safety improvement works [€521,000], speed limits [€87,000], and training grants [€95,000]. The funding will be used by Mayo County Council for a number of specific improvements on regional and local roads. Residents in many of these areas have been campaigning for funding for these projects for some time, and I am delighted to be able to announce this funding."
Minister Ring went on to outline some of the specific projects that have received allocations, saying: “Funding of €400,000 has been allocated to Cong Road while €200,000 has been granted to finish the project at Lower Chapel St [Newline], Castlebar. A total of €521,000 has been allocated for safety improvement works on regional and local roads. These include €26,000 for Convent Road [school road], Claremorris, €120,000 for Lecanvey, Westport, €120,000 for Church Road, Ballina, €30,000 for Lowpark, Charlestown, €15,000 for Dugort, Achill, €20,000 for Tonragee National School, €120,000 for Bridgeos Corner, Rosbeg, Westport, €50,000 for Derrynameel, Belmullet, and €20,000 for Cornboy, Rossport, Ballina."
He added: “Separate to this, a special allocation to cover damage to roads due to the recent flooding situation is expected to be announced next week."
Minister Ring also welcomed the fact that more than €500,000 for vital bridge improvement works throughout the county has been allocated, with a total of €548,525 allocated to bridge rehabilitation works on regional and local roads. These include €136,200 for Classaghroe Bridge, Ballyhaunis, €73,775 for Glenisland Bridge, Castlebar, €45,400 for Ballynetty Bridge, Crossmolina, €68,100 for Pat Randells Bridge, Ballyvary, €34,050 for Richmond Bridge, Crossmolina, €136,200 for Doogort Bridge (L1406 ), Achill, €39,725 for Doogort Bridge (L14064 ), Achill, €34,050 for Knockanroe Bridge, Claremorris, and €17,025 for Creggagh Bridge, Foxford.
Minister Ring said: “Work is badly needed on the bridges listed for some time and I am delighted to be able to announce funding to each of these nine projects. Work will be completed over the next couple of months which will certainly improve safety at each of the locations.”
