West Mayo parish anger over delay in reopening old N5 access roadway

Residents of the community of Islandeady are seeking the reopening of the old road leading to the parish church.

The access has been closed for a number of months as works progressed on the new N5 between Turlough and Westport.

They can't understand the delay in reopening it while the newly-completed overpass should also be brought into operation.

The matter has been raised with Mayo County Council by Councillor Michael Kilcoyne.

He said the closure is causing inconvenience for residents who have been very patient throughout the construction project.

"There is no reason why the old road and the overpass cannot be opened before schools reopen in the coming weeks.

"It's only fair that this will happen."

An update of the project circulated to councillors last month stated "access from the old N5 to the Islandeady Road has been closed while works are completed on the south approach to the Islandeady Road Bridge."