Councillors debate R332 funding in south Mayo

A SOUTH Mayo councillor has again expressed disappointment at a funding allocation for the R332 Kilmaine to Foxhall road.

While a €500,000 allocation was welcomed by Councillor Patsy O'Brien, he commented that he didn't see the route 'making much headway' in the near future.

There is a lot to be done and this sum was 'inadequate', he told a municipal meeting.

“We need a lot more and it is disappointing.”

When he looked at the accommodation works to be done, he couldn’t see much progress being made given the amount made available by the department.

Funding of €500,000 is significant for any road, commented Councillor Damien Ryan but he agreed it does need more.

Works started last year and they got a portion done. This year they had to look at land acquisition and reliagnment and have it shovel ready for top-up funding if it becomes available.

Councillor Michael Burke said they would love to get millions but until recently the route had received nothing.

The amount received last year was the amount the head of roads said that he could spend.

Councillor Burke was 'optimistic' following on from that €500,000. It was the type of money that would get them going and there would probably be more funding made available later in the year.