Councillors will protest with residents if Mayo road closure goes ahead

COUNCILLORS in Castlebar will join local residents to block any move to close the access road serving the community in Keelogues.

A five-week closure of the L1711, the old Keelogues road, is being proposed as part of the works on the new N5.

Locals previously outlined their objections when a five-month closure was mooted and have offered what councillors say is a viable solution.

Councillor Al McDonnell, at a Castlebar Municipal District meeting today, said there was anger and disappointment at the proposal to close the road from April 19 for five weeks.

The alternative routes were long, narrow and dangerous, and there is unanimous support to oppose any closure.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Martin McLoughlin said it was unreasonable to look for a five-week closure. The works were doable without closing the road.

If there has to be public protest in order to support the people, he would be there with them. The people have to be listened to when there is an alternative to closure, he said.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said he understood from the residents that if granted, when the contractor attempts to close the road it will be blocked, and all seven councillors would be out there with them.

All the councillors supported the residents and appealed to management to consider refusing the road closure.

The decision will be made by the executive, not the elected members.

Municipal district head Iarla Moran said observations on the matter can be made to the council - the closing date is April 5 at 4 p.m.

They will be taken on board, he said, and a decision will be made at some point next week, he hoped, which would be relayed to the members.