Green light for upgrade of N58 at Foxford

MAYO Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin has confirmed that the go-ahead has been given by Mayo County Council to commence improvement works on a 3km section of the N58 between Foxford and Straide.

She stated: “I am delighted that the go ahead has been given  to commence the much-needed improvements works on a stretch of the N58 between Foxford and Straide.

'The work will entail a surface overlay of 3km from the speed limits in Foxford and on to Ummoon and represents an investment of approximately €1m.

“Users of this substandard section of the N58 are aware of how bad it is and of the volume of traffic that uses it.

'It serves a large population travelling from Ballina and north Mayo, through Foxford towards Castlebar, central Mayo, and beyond, as well as numerous communities in between. It is an important route for freight transport and for tourism.

“Despite considerable traffic volumes, it hadn’t seen any proper investment for a long time. I am delighted to have been in a position previously to make a case for investment to the then Minister for Transport, Pascal Donohoe, and to have secured funding at the time and to now see the work about to be undertaken. I acknowledge the assistance of Paul Dolan, head of roads, Mayo County Council, in this regard.

“I am pleased that a local business, Harrington's Lmited, has been awarded the contract and this will help the local economy and create jobs in our area. The works will take approximately 6 weeks to complete.

“I have campaigned for improvements to this section of the N58 and I am delighted that the work will be carried out soon. I will continue to campaign to ensure that other road improvements in Mayo, including the N26 to Ballina and the new bridge at Cloongullaun remain a priority.”