Opposition to closure of east Mayo junction onto N5

RESIDENTS in Swinford are opposing the proposed closure of a junction onto the N5.

Known locally as the old dump road, the route connects the Swinford bypass and old Castlebar Road at Carrowbaun.

Submissions on the proposal must be lodged with Mayo County Council by May 18.

At a local area meeting today (Wednesday), councillors also voiced their objection to the road being closed.

The matter was not formally on the agenda but was raised by Councillor Neil Cruise under any other business, who said he had a lot of reservations about the proposal and there was worry locally about it.

He also raised separate concerns about leachate seeping from the former dump into the Spadagh River, which leads to the Moy.

Councillor John Caulfield said in closing the road, no alternative was being offered other than to direct traffic to another junction which is much more dangerous.

The move would place slow moving agricultural traffic on the N5 for two-kilometre round journeys, which was unnecessary, he said.

He suggested that an overbridge be considered, something Councillor Gerry Murray agreed with as a means of resolving all the junction issues at the particular stretch of road. He appealed to the executive to engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to revisit this option.

Councillor Murray said given current public opinion he felt the road closure would not get the support of elected members.

It was indicated that a number of submissions have been received by the council. The matter will come before the members for a decision in two months time, it is estimated.

Swinford-based Councillor Michael Smyth indicated that had the matter been listed on the agenda he would have declared a conflict of interest regarding lands affected by the road closure.

It was not before them for a vote. When it is before the members he will be declaring that interest.