Unhappy with €400,000 spend on R319 in west Mayo

THE level of funding for the R319 between Ballycroy crossroads and Keem Bay has drawn the ire of Achill Councillor Paul McNamara.

It is earmarked for a spend of just over €400,000 this year - but the N59 will see €12 million spent at Derrada and a further €2 million at other other locations.

The investment on the 38km route down to Achill was just keeping it ticking over, but it isn't a solution to the problem, Councillor McNamara told a municipal district meeting. And he isn't happy with how the regional road is being treated compared to the N59.

The bridges at Cashel was another source of contention, with a structural engineering report saying they were perfect, something he couldn't fathom out.

A separate allocation is needed to upgrade the R319, he suggested, saying a budget of €1 million would make a difference, and they needed to make representations for this.

The point was made by Councillor Brendan Mulroy that regardless of the condition of the Cashel bridges, the issue is that they are narrow and lethal.

It's always a case of loaves and fishes over which roads money is allocated to, noted Councillor Peter Flynn. The municipal districts are underfunded and that is the reality, he said.

The Erris councillors also highlighted the lack of investment in the R312 - the main link to Belmullet, which was allocated €300,000.

Councillor Sean Carey has requested a special funding stream over a five-year period to deliver a practical solution to the problems there.

And Councillor Gerry Coyle branded the route a 'disgrace', saying it had been built for the horse and cart.

The point was made by Councillor McNamara that they are promoting the Wild Atlantic Way, 75% of which comprises local roads, leading onto regional roads. And yet there is no funding for these roads.

Councillor Flynn heard his frustrations and said the feedback can go back to government.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme