€500,000 allocated for new bridge on Mayo's R312

A SUM of €500,000 has been allocated for the long-awaited new bridge at Glenisland on the R312 roadway.

The announcement has been made by the Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring.

The go-ahead for the structure was approved last July after it had been opposed on environmental grounds.

The works at the location will also involve a road realignment scheme.

Minister Ring said a total of over €32 million has been secured for improving and maintaining regional and local roads across Mayo this year.

This includes €16 million for restoration improvement, €2.8 million for restoration maintenance, €725,000 for bridge rehabilitation, €650,000 for safety improvement works  and over €1.3 million for drainage works.

A sum of €100,000 has been set aside for the Kilmaine to Tuam road at Foxhall and a similar amount for the Cong Outer Relief Road.

The overall investment represents a €5 million increase on last year's allocation.