As residents protest kenny says castlebar road works will start within days
Work is to commence in the coming days on the Newport Road project in Castlebar.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny today clarified the position after residents living along the road, which they have dubbed ‘a death trap’, vowed to conduct a protest on a weekly basis until health and safety issues are addressed outside their homes.
Householders initiated their campaign last Saturday despite the Taoiseach announcing 24 hours earlier that a sum of €450,000 had been allocated to upgrade the surface leading to the Rehins Woods amenity.
Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, who joined the protest, said they wouldn’t be satisfied until works commence on the construction of footpaths and other safety measures at the front of their properties.
He hit out: “They have been treated poorly since first raising their concerns over six months ago and there is still no guarantee of their issues being resolved in the short term. It is their intention to stage a protest on the roadway every weekend until the necessary works are carried out to prevent a serious accident occurring. They have lost confidence in Mayo County Council and are not prepared to wait another six months for action.
“While the announcement (made last week) by Deputy Kenny is to be welcomed, it does not go far enough in giving a clear commitment to the residents whose daily lives have been greatly hampered by the unsatisfactory handling of this scheme.”
This morning the Taoiseach announced further details in respect of the proposed upgrading of both Newline and Newport Road in Castlebar.
He explained: “I have been in contact with the director of services of Mayo County Council since I made the announcement for both the Newport Road and Newline in Castlebar.
“Work is to commence in the coming days on the Newport Road project. A public lighting works contractor will be on-site next week to commence lighting works. When finished, the lights will extend from the 50kmh limit on the Newport Road all the way out to the 60kmh limit at Lough Mallard. This is a welcome development and represents only part of the upgrades taking place.
“The contract for the footpath and road paving works in the same location will be awarded in the coming weeks and will include safety measures to encourage traffic to observe speed limits. This will create a safe environment for both residents and road users. It will also create a better environment for both walkers and cyclists.
“This is good news for the area, despite attempts by a local politician to cast a shadow on the announcement last week.”
It is expected that works will be complete on Newline by the end of 2015.