Mayo roads SPC highlights challenges of dealing with multiple agencies

At the close of Mayo County Council’s Roads Special Policy Committee meeting, members reflected on the number of agencies the local authority must engage with on road and transport matters.

Head of Roads Conrad Harley noted that a wide range of issues had been discussed across the meeting, including bus shelters, EV charging, national and regional roads, and Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) funding.

However, he explained that each of these areas involves different government departments or agencies, all with separate rules and processes.

This, he said, often slows down progress.

The council must deal with the Department of Rural and Community Development on LIS, the National Transport Authority on active travel and bus stops, Transport Infrastructure Ireland on national roads, and the Department of Transport on regional roads.

Director of Services Tom Gilligan remarked that the duplication of work can be frustrating, as council staff must bring the same material to several meetings to secure answers.

Describing the scenario as "bonkers."

He suggested that a single organisation with responsibility for roads would be a more efficient approach.

SPC Cathaoirleach Annie May Reape Fianna Fáil agreed, observing that “one body across the way” would make the system less frustrating, while councillor Patsy O’Brien Independent added:

“Too many cooks spoil the broth.”

Councillors in the county have had a long-running battle to secure a meeting with TII and the Department of Transport but assurances were given that one will be forthcoming with at least one body by October.