Concern over Mayo road take-over criteria

COUNCILLORS have supported a call to have a link road in the Foxford area taken in charge by Mayo County Council.

The route extends from the Craggagh graveyard road to the N26, across from the junction of the N26 with the Cashel Shanwar Road on the L5352.

A wider issue on proposed new criteria in the draft county development plan that would impact on take overs was highlighted by Councillor Neil Cruise, who was critical of the criteria.

The application in this case predates that policy, which has not been adopted by the council, and the councillor said it needs to be revisted by the roads strategic policy committee.

At present, he said, people were being told they need this road to be taken in charge so they can get planning permission, and he urged support from his elected colleagues, which was forthcoming.

Councillor Patsy O'Brien said he knew of one road where works were done under the local improvement scheme. Planning was granted for a house and there were now six, and this was a great input for rural life.

The criteria was for two houses, but it should be one, as it was discriminatory.

Councillor John Cribben said if a road was up to standard, it should be taken over, whether there is one family or 20 living on it.

Municipal district head Padraig Flanagan agreed the new criteria was more restrictive and would have implications for take overs in the future.

The policy, he said, needs to be looked at again.