Go-ahead for R312 Glenisland road realignment
THE go-ahead has been given for the realignment of the R312 road at Muckanagh and Kilgarve, Glenisland, Castlebar.
It is proposed to realign an existing section of the R312 regional road, which extends from the R311 Castlebar to Westport road in the south to the N59 Ballina to Crossmolina national secondary road to the north, replacing the existing route which is of unfavourable horizontal and vertical alignment.
The development entails the construction of a new length of carriageway as well as a single-span bridge over the Glenisland River - a habitat for salmon and freshwater pearl mussel.
The approval granted to Mayo County Council by An Bord Pleanála is welcome news for motorists.
The decision comes two years after the board refused an application by the council for the realignment as it was not satisfied that the development would not adversely affect the integrity of Newport River SAC.
An Bord Pleanála, in its decision, found that subject to compliance with a number of conditions, the development would not have significant negative effects on the community in the vicinity, would provide an improved road realignment to a strategically important regional route, would not seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity or adversely affect the local population, including human health, would not give rise to a significant risk of pollution to air or water and would not be detrimental to soil, landscape, or to the cultural heritage of the area. It was, there, in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Mayo County Council has today issued a statement welcoming the board's decision, saying the realignment project on the Castlebar-Belmullet road will be a priority for the council in the coming months.
Peter, Hynes, chief executive, Mayo County Council, said: “We are pleased that An Bord Pleanála have granted permission for the realignment works to take place. Enhancing road safety and connectivity for our citizens is a priority for Mayo County Council and these improvement works on the R312 will enhance the quality of our road network.”
Added the cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Brendan Mulroy: “It has been a long process to get to this stage and we expect to see the realignment works taking place in the very near future. It is critical for the ongoing economic, social and tourism development of Mayo to have a high quality road network.”