Mayo villagers seeking urgent action over dangerous state of roads

The people of Drummin, Westport, have written to Mayo County Council regarding the upkeep and investment in their village.

The letter, with 1,088 signatures, outlined the level of maintenance associated with the road infrastructure around Drummin has been very poor over the past 20 years.

It continued: "The quality of life in Drummin is significantly impacted by the dangerous condition of these roads.

"It is no longer safe to use the roads around the village as they have fallen into a condition that is quite simply unsafe for motorists and pedestrians alike.

"There have been numerous accidents in recent years and considering that our village is such a significant through-way for cyclists and tourism in the west, we the people of Drummin are very disappointed that the proper measures to support this level of activity have not been forthcoming to date.

"Additionally, there are other important actions needed to support infrastructure in the village.

"In the early 2000s, some investment was provided to enhance street lighting, walls, and some drainage in the area.

"Since then, though, there has been little further investment in these key aspects and our village has suffered as a result.

"Drummin has a long and proud history. However, we feel that our village has been neglected and many people have decided to leave the area due to the lack of public amenities such as playing fields or playgrounds.

"Some evidence of the impact this has had can be seen in the dramatic fall in pupil numbers in Drummin National School over the past decade alone.

"Despite there being a recent announcement about millions of investment for Mayo’s roads and other infrastructure such as drainage, there was no mention of Drummin and therefore we see no indication that the much needed investment to improve the situation in and around our village is on the horizon.

"It is for this reason, we are writing to you to ask that you prioritise our community."

The letter has been sent to Mayo TD, councillors and local election candidates as well as the Minister and Minister of State at the Department of Transport.

The areas around Drummin village which are impacted include Leenavesta, Tawnyslinnaun, Derrymore, Drummin West, Shanvalleybeg West, Drummin East, Shanvalleybeg East, Glenamurra, Glendavock, Tawnyard, Sheeffry, Barnaderg, Tawnycrower, Derrylea, Cuilmore, Drummin, Derryhawna, Derryaun, Oughty, Letterbrock, Carrowreavagh, Glynsk and Liscarney.

A public meeting to discuss the issues takes place on Friday, May 25, in the Blackloon and Drummin Community Centre, Liscarney, at 8 p.m.