Call to turn Tuam bypass green and red on Saturday

MAYO Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin wants to see the green and red of Mayo on the Tuam bypass this Saturday.

She is calling for the temporary opening of the Tuam bypass on the N17 to facilitate the legions of Mayo GAA fans who will be travelling to Ennis for the Clare versus Mayo match.

She explained: “The road is completed but is not officially opened or in use yet. However it makes sense to do so to avoid the usual bottle neck in Tuam which can see delays for traffic at a peak of half an hour or more.

“This would not only be in ease of Mayo fans but also locals in Tuam who have to endure the cruel traffic at these times.

“I have been in contact with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Galway County Council, chief executive Kevin Kelly and gardaí in Tuam to see if this is a feasible solution.

“Mr. Kelly thought it was on the face of it a good idea but there are a number of other considerations, including health and safety, and the fact that the road is still in the control of the contractor. He has undertaken to investigate the matter urgently.

'There is precedent where previously the M6 section between Ballinasloe and Galway was put in use prior to its official opening owing to flooding on other roads.

“The road is built and it makes common sense to try to use it on this occasion.”