Planning sought for new bridge

A PLANNING application has been lodged by Mayo County Council for the new Cloongullaun Bridge on the N26 below Swinford.

Welcoming the application, Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin has called for local expressions of support for the project.

The council has lodged the planning application to An Bord Pleanala for a new bridge. The existing Cloongullaun Bridge has been a traffic blackspot for years now.

Said Senator Mulherin: “This is a golden opportunity to see the construction of a new bridge on what is sadly the worst section of the N26 road between Swinford and Mount Falcon.

“I am delighted that government funding is being provided for this and I will continue to make the case to both the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for ongoing funding.

“I am determined to see the entire N26 brought up to a proper national standard and to provide proper roads connectivity from our region to the east and Ireland West Airport Knock, and to the south toward Castlebar, Westport and Galway. This is essential for our future economic and social growth and I will continue to work to ensure it happens.”

An Bord Pleanala will now decide whether to conduct an oral hearing, she explained, adding: “I would hope this could be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2017.”

Added Senator Mulherin: “It is absolutely vital that local businesses and rural development stakeholders in the Swinford, Foxford and Ballina areas get behind this project and express their support for this much needed piece of road infrastructure for our region. In particular I am urging the various Chambers of Commerce and traders associations to help campaign for a positive decision from An Bord Pleanala.

“Let people be under no doubt but that we sorely want and need this new bridge.”