Independent Mayo councillor urges government action in pre-budget letter

Independent Councillor Mark Duffy has demanded decisive action from the government to overhaul local governance and address systemic failures that he believes plague communities.

Councillor Duffy highlighted the critical issue of decision-making powers being excessively centralised, far removed from the communities they impact. "The bureaucracy is stifling," he stated, "basic infrastructure projects like line painting, drainage, and road maintenance are mired in delays, taking years to complete due to inefficiencies."

Duffy proposed a targeted scheme to rectify the damage caused by pyrite in boundary walls across estates and public roads, emphasising the need for immediate intervention.

He also pressed for a dedicated initiative to finalise the adoption of legacy estate developments, which currently leave residents without essential services such as street lighting, water management by Uisce Eireann, and adequate road maintenance.

Child safety has been a focal point for Duffy, who calls for a standardisation fund to equip all estates under council management with traffic calming measures akin to those in new developments. "Installing slow zones and speed ramps isn't just about convenience, it's about saving lives and enhancing community safety," he argued.

Furthermore, Duffy advocated for the reinstatement of town councils, believing in their potential to bring governance closer to the people. He also reiterated his commitment to infrastructure development, specifically urging the completion of the N26 and the Orbital Route for Ballina, projects long overdue.

On the housing crisis, Duffy was unequivocal, "The government's handling of housing has been disastrous. Excessive red tape and bureaucratic hurdles are crippling our ability to meet the soaring demand for homes."

Councillor Mark Duffy's pre-budget letter is not just a call for funding, it's a call for systemic change, urging the government to prioritise local needs, streamline processes, and deliver on long-standing promises to the people of North Mayo and beyond.