Mayo R312 Road Action Committee to stage pre-election rally

MEMBERS of the R312 Road Action Group is to stage a pre-general election protest rally in Castlebar on Saturday, February 1.

It follows the failure to secure a financial commitment from the government for €20 million to upgrade the 8 km. section of the main Belmullet to Castlebar roadway between Glenhest and Glenisland.

The rally, which is supported by Erris Chamber of Commerce, begins at Mulroy's Roundabout in Castlebar at 4 p.m.

It will proceed through the town centre to the offices of Mayo County Council at the Mall, where a number of speeches will be made.

The committee called on the people of Erris to turn out in large numbers for the protest and make their voices heard.

Brendan Lavelle, chairman, said they were given plenty of political promises over the past six years to upgrade the Erris to Castlebar road - but they were not fulfilled.

The road was given number one priority status for upgrade by Mayo County Council some years ago but to date it remains in a poor condition.

The R312 is not of a good enough standard for the level of traffic using it and accidents occur on a regular basis.

It is narrow, has an uneven surface, crumbling edges and incessant bends. It’s prone to flooding and includes troublesome bridges. It was closed for three days last year due to flooding.

Mr. Lavelle also said while they do not begrudge Westport and Castlebar for securing funding for a new €241 million dual carriageway between the two towns, they believe a fraction of that budget would significantly improve the route that joins Erris to the county town.

"The people of Erris pay their rates and taxes like everybody else, but we are served by a totally inadequate main road.

"We are not going to accept false political promises any longer," he added.