Row over 'despicable and deplorable' delays to Mayo road works

A MAYO county councillor has said it's 'despicable and deplorable' that improvement works on the R315 at Castlehill, between Crossmolina and Lahardane, remain some time off.

“If I could say some other words I would say them,” fumed Councillor Michael Loftus as he learned that nothing would be happening until 2027 at the earliest on what he termed the worse road in the county.

Councillor Loftus continued: “I want to see something happening sooner rather than later. It's the worst road in Mayo; I've no doubt about it.”

He said it showed what those in the roads section of Mayo County Council thought of them in north Mayo.

Senior engineer Orla Bourke said she understood why Councillor Loftus was unhappy at the lack of progress but there was nothing that could be done.

He responded that it was the 'same old bulls**t' every year.

“It's not being addressed or looked at as seriously as it should be. We are not getting anything done and we have been looking for it for a long time.”

As the members logged complaints about the R315 and other roads in the area, the cathaoirleach of Ballina MD, Councillor Jarlath Munnelly, suggested a meeting or workshop with all relevant parties so that they could examine all road projects in the area and get updates on timelines for completion.

“Unfortunately, a lot of the people in this room can't answer the questions we have,” Councillor Munnelly pointed out.

His proposal, seconded by Councillor Annie May Reape, was met with approval by all the members present.

(Funded under the Local Democracy Scheme).