Red tape blocks south Mayo greenway progress

MONTHS after €465,000 in funding was granted for the long awaited Ballinrobe urban greenway, a local councillor has confirmed that almost no progress has been made on site.

Councillor Patsy O’Brien said the construction delay is due to red tape laid out by the National Transport Authority (NTA), who have requested 'further details on deliverables' before they can continue.

“I have been to the site several times since funding was granted at the start of the year and have been appalled by the lack of progress,” said Councillor O’Brien. “The NTA are making this project very difficult to complete - at the expense of the community who desperately need this outdoor amenity.”

According to Mayo County Council, the Ballinrobe urban greenway is currently in Phase 5 ‘Detailed Design and Procurement’, and they are now seeking gateway approval to proceed to Phase 6 ‘Construction and Implementation’.

“According to the plan, there are six phases for the project, but because some phases have two parts, the reality is there are 10 parts to this,” said Councillor O’Brien.

“I am calling on the NTA to speed up this ridiculously long process so we can look forward to a summer on the new greenway.”

Mayo County Council, he said, had assured him that funding has not run out and the allocation can be claimed once relevant documentation has been approved by the NTA.