Mayo minister confirms discussions on controversial road diversion

Minister Dara Calleary has confirmed that discussions aimed at finding a resolution to a proposed road closure to facilitate the construction of a bridge as part of the Crossmolina Flood Scheme are under way between OPW and Mayo County Council officials.

He stated: “People will be aware that the Flood Relief Scheme is progressing at pace in Crossmolina and I think everybody is happy with the progress and everybody wants to see the project completed.

"However, there are concerns in the Rakestreet Road area where 16 families are affected by a road closure associated with the works of the scheme that would see the road closed for up to 12 months and in some instances involve a 12km diversion from the area into Crossmolina Town.

“The matter was brought to my attention by my colleague Councillor Michael Loftus and I have been liaising with Minister Kevin Boxer Moran in relation to the issue.

"I have engaged with the Minister in the past number of weeks insisting that people travelling to work and school to carry out their everyday activities simply cannot be disrupted to such an extent.

“Minister Moran and the OPW are now engaging with Mayo County Council to establish an alternative that would allow construction to continue but taking full account of the concerns of the affected residents.

"I am hopeful that we can avoid that level of diversion and disruption for residents. The work is ongoing between OPW officials and Mayo County Council and I do expect that a resolution can be reached – Councillor Loftus, working with residents, has identified alternatives, and I hope that a resolution will be reached, he said.

“The flood scheme is a major investment in Crossmolina and will allow for additional substantial investment in the regeneration of the town once the scheme is completed so it is important that the works involved in the scheme can continue but we do have facilitate the affected residents,” added Minister Calleary.