Significant streetscape changes imminent for Mayo towns and villages due to investment
A one-way traffic system is set to be introduced at Spencer Street in Castebar
The National Transport Authority has announced that €516,110 is being allocated to Mayo County Council for 11 projects under the Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund (2021).
A sum of €100,000 has been allocated for the Spencer Street public realm improvement scheme in Castlebar.
This involves the overall enhancement of footpaths and eliminate a traffic lane to create a one-way traffic system with pedestrian crossings.
This project will have a two-phase approach, phase one is immediate measures to create the space and one-way system and the second phase includes the provision of kerbing and paving.
A sum of €80,000 has been granted for the provision of parklets in Westport, Louisburgh, Newport, Belmullet and other various villages to facilitate socialising and casual picnicing.
A further €85,000 is set aside for safety improvement works in Westport town centre.
Similar works are being carried out in Ballyhaunis in an overall investment of €27,500 to provide a pedestrian laneway, outdoor dining and street markets at the town's Square.
Up to €90,000 is being spent on the provision of benches, seating, flower plants and bins in Claremorris, Ballinrobe, Swinford, Ballyhaunis, Foxford, Kiltimagh, Charlestown, Knock, Kilmaine, Cong, Bohola, Kilkelly, Ballindine, Irishtown, Shrule, Hollymount, The Neale, Cross, Kilmovee, Tooreen, Bekan, Brickens, Mayo Abbey, Carracastle and Aghamore.
The town of Foxford has received €43,610 for the redesign of a portion of Main Street to facilitate the removal of heavy goods vehicles from the street and to allocate more pedestrian space.
The Square in Kilkelly is getting a €25,000 facelift with €15,000 being invested in works at the Square in Kiltimagh.
Welcoming the news, Mayo Deputy Alan Dillon said: “I wish to commend the officials at Mayo County Council for the quick turnaround on getting applications submitted for this funding which was only announced on April 26.
"It represents an incredible effort by council officials to maximise the funding coming to Mayo under the €15 million fund and ensuring shovel ready projects can be commenced as soon as possible.”
“The funding for these 11 projects not only benefits Mayo’s larger towns but it filters all the way through to our smaller villages and communities."
Councillor Ger Deere said the largest funding went to the public realm improvement for Spencer Street in Castlebar with €100,000 being allocated, an investment he greatly welcomed.
"This will be a two-phase project so some of the works are only the first step in creating transformational public spaces which will allow for greater socialising and outdoor activities in an accelerated manner,” he added.