Southern relief road would be ‘game changer’ for west Mayo

A WESTPORT councillor has highlighted the need for the southern relief road for the town to be developed.

The bypass would open up Westport itself and also the Louisburgh area, Councillor Brendan Mulroy told a municipal district meeting, as well as opening up the conversation on the possibility of pedestrianisation in the town.

He raised the issue with the acting head of roads, Conrad Harley, saying the relief road is 'badly needed'. The corridor for the route is in the development plan, and has been in place since he was elected 26 years ago. Now it needs funding.

Councillor Mulroy pointed out investments locally, from Westport House to hotels upgrading, and the train service opening up to Tuam and Athenry. Everyone else is getting ready and he asked the council to 'get ready'.

The relief road would give the town a massive boost, coupled with the road out to Louisburgh being upgraded and a greenway running alongside it.

Councillor Chris Maxwell agreed that the bypass would be a 'game changer' for the whole south Clew Bay area.

There was support too from Councillor Johnny O'Malley who said a relief road would be a great asset to everyone.

Mr. Harley also agreed the route would be a game changer and said they will look at it. On a county level, they have to agree a priority list.

* Published under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme