Councillor insists N59 Mayo road project will go ahead
A WEST Mayo councillor says a major roads project on the N59 will go ahead, despite a meeting earlier this week being told tendering has been suspended, with funding an issue.
Councillor Johnny O'Malley raised concern about the Newport - Derrada upgrade being 'shelved', and it was confirmed by council management that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has requested the regional design office to suspend the tendering process. The reason was a 'funding issue'.
Now, Fine Gael Councillor Peter Flynn says his Oireachtas colleagues have confirmed the project will be proceeding as planned.
In a social media post, he stated: “I am delighted to confirm that the 5.1km N59 Newport to Derradda project has not been shelved or collapsed, as was reported over the last 24 hours.
“The tender process commenced last month and will run until late June with the cost of construction expected to be in the region of €29 million.
“I had confirmation from Minister Alan Dillon and Michael Ring, TD , that the government are fully supportive of this critical piece of infrastructure. My council colleague Cllr Brendan Mulroy also received confirmation to this effect.
“TII are the funding organisation for this project and my understanding is that TII will be carrying out a review of their overall budget with government in the coming weeks. When you factor in the existing road safety issues with this section of road, the substandard greenway out of Newport and critically the lack of a greenway overpass near Burrishoole Abbey, I have no doubt that this project will be prioritised by TII in consulation with government.”
He continued: “I want to again reiterate that there are some hugely important projects to be carried out in and around Newport over the next few years; works include the new sewerage treatment plant, new off street greenway through the town, €6 million town centre regeneration and exciting Mayo Dark Skies initiatives.
“The future is very bright for Newport and I have no doubt it will continue to grow and establish itself as one of the most progressive towns in the region.”