No further applications for additional works on Mayo's R312, Minister reveals

The Department of Transport has not received any further applications from Mayo County Council for additional specific improvements works on the R312 route between Castlebar and Bellacorrick.

The news has been relayed to Mayo TD Alan Dillon by Minister Eamon Ryan.

Deputy Dillon asked the minister to outline the progress being made with the R312, the status of the new bridge on the R312 as it passes Glenisland and if additional funding will be committed to projects on the R312 to improve road safety.

In reply, the minister explained: "The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.

"Works on those roads are funded from councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants.

"The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

"Mayo County Council received an allocation of €850,000 this year under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme to progress the road re-alignment and bridge replacement scheme at Glenisland on the R312.

"My department understands that construction of the scheme is well advanced. To date in 2021, Mayo Council has drawn down €358,313 for this project.

"As regards further projects on the R312, any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific/Strategic Grant Programmes are assessed by the department on a case-by-case basis.

"All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF).

"Given the limited funding available for road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

"My department has not received any further applications from Mayo County Council for additional specific improvements works on the R312."