Works taking place at Kilkenny, Breaffy Road, Castlebar. PHOTO: ALISON LAREDO

Mayo roads office makes statement on complaints by residents during N5 rockbreaking works

The Mayo Roads Design Office has issued a statement in response to ongoing complaints from the public regarding the rockbreaking programme near Kilkenny, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, during the course of the construction of the new N5 motorway between Turlough and Westport.

Residents of the area have been up on arms over the resultant blasting, noise and dust from the works which has impacted on their daily lives form the past 18 months.

The statement outlined: "No blasting is carried out within 100 metres of any premises.

"The contractors, Wills BAM Joint Venture (WBJV), gives prior notice of each blast and prior to each blast there are a number of sirens discharged at prescribed intervals.

"It is anticipated by the contractor that the bulk of the rock breaking will be completed by the end of 2021.

"But there will be intermittent rock breaking for ducking, public lighting, crash barriers and noise barriers up to quarter two of 2022."

Paul Hyland of the Mayo Roads Design Office acknowledged the huge impact the development is having on residents.

"We accept that it is extremely difficult but the contractor has to complete the project by next year.

"At this point, 76% of the earthworks are complete and the contract date for substantial completion of the the road is October 11, 2022."

He was speaking at a meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District at which two residents of Kilkenny, Breaffy Road - Emer Quinn and Donal Gallagher - told of the impact on their lives, as well as the damage caused to their homes, as a result of the prolonged noise, dust and vibrations generated from the rockbreaking works 12 hours daily on week days as well as for seven hours every Saturday.

Elected members of the district have called for a greater level of liaison and communications between the contractors and Mayo County Council with the residents to help minimise the problems being experienced at the location until the rockbreaking programme comes to an end in December.