Controversial west Mayo wall is being reinstated after lobbying

Work has started on reinstating a controversial wall in the west Mayo parish of Islandeady.

Local Fine Gael Councillor Ger Deere has welcomed the commencement of the project at the entrance to the village

The structure was removed as part of works to accommodate the new N5 dual carriageway between Turlough and Westport.

Said Councillor Deere: "There was much annoyance in the community when residents were informed last year that the wall would not be reinstated.

"Talks then took place between community groups, local councillors, Mayo County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the contractors to seek the restoration of the wall.

"Thankfully a resolution was reached and a new, 30- metre-long stone wall will now be constructed in the coming weeks.

"It is great to see this issue resolved - but it never should have happened in the first place and the community had to fight so hard to have it replaced.

"I hope lessons have been learned from this saga and that no other community has to go through what the people of Islandeady have had to."