Smarter travel funding for two east Mayo schemes pulled

A €170,000 investment in smarter travel in Ballyhaunis has been pulled by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The U-turn comes days after local Councillor John Cribbin was informed that the funding was ring-fenced for two local schemes worth €120,000 and €50,000 respectively.

A clear message came from a meeting of Mayo County Council after Councillor Cribbin made his revelation: This will not be tolerated and action will be demanded from the Minister for Transport.

Councillor Cribbin outlined how funding was announced for his area 18 months ago. He had followed up on the project, which had been the subject of survey works, and two weeks ago was assured the funding was there, with works to commence in the first quarter of 2024.

Roll on one week and he receives a call from the head of roads to say the NTA had decided to cut the funding.

To think an official in the NTA could, with the stroke of pen, decide this funding was withdrawn was 'a disgrace', he commented.

He was concerned that other towns in the county had received similar commitments with regards national routes.

Councillor Cribbin was supported in his request that they write to the Minister for Transport to ensure steps are taken to allow these and other schemes go ahead.

Councillor Peter Flynn highlighted how Westport schemes - traffic calming at at Pinewoods and a Lodge Road footpath - have been held up.

Schemes in Bonniconlon worth €170,000 and Attymass (€40,000) also appear to have hit a brick wall, with local Councillor John O'Hara told 'there is no money'. Then he was told they had to employ architects. But nothing has been done.

Councillor Michael Burke requested an update on smarter travel for their next meeting.

A dangerous precedent is being set, Councillor Damien Ryan warned, and it won't be tolerated.

Director of services Tom Gilligan said the council will go back to the NTA about the lost N60 funding.