New bridge on R312 in Glenisland set to open

THE new bridge in Glenisland on the R312 Castlebar - Belmullet road is due open this week.

Its opening and road alignment brings to an end years of campaigning, said Councillor Martin McLoughlin, and it will contribute enormously to the safety of all road users.

The old bridge, he told Monday's monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, was narrow and twisty and the scene of many accidents over the years.

Based partly in the Castlebar Municipal District, the R312 had been prioritised for some years by the district for upgrade and the bridge was part of those works, and he thanked all who supported the project.

But other areas outside of their district required upgrading too and Councillor McLoughlin asked that the people responsible there see that this is done on an incremental basis.

Belmullet Councillor Sean Carey welcomed the improvement works, saying this was an important artery for the north of the county.

Director or services Tom Gilligan said the bridge was due to open on September 10, but would now open this week.

It is a pivotal scheme for the road and will enhance connectivity and road safety in the area.

Work on the road will not stop there it is intended to apply for funding for another section.