Mayo councillor updates Foxford residents on path and town enhancements

Foxford residents have received an update on the long-anticipated path to the grotto on Swinford Road, along with other planned town enhancements, from Fine Gael county councillor Neil Cruise.

The grotto path project is part of a broader plan to improve Foxford’s infrastructure, including upgrades to the Dereen Road and enhancements at the Castlebar Road entrance to the town.

However, progress has been hindered by rising construction costs and funding challenges, Councillor Cruise explained today on social media.

A successful application for Leader funding initially set the projects in motion. But due to construction inflation, the selected contractor could no longer complete the works at the tendered price.

Attempts to offer the project to the second-lowest bidder were also unsuccessful, as their original tender price was deemed unviable. Additionally, public lighting, a critical safety element, was omitted from both contractors' bids, further complicating the project’s completion.

“With the Leader program nearing its end, and in light of these issues, I declined the allocation so that the funding could be redirected to other projects in Mayo,” Councillor Cruise stated.

Leader and similar funding schemes cover 75% of a project’s cost, requiring a 25% local contribution. Councillor Cruise noted his commitment to Foxford’s development, citing past projects where he contributed local shares through his discretionary funding.

These include the path to Foxford Station, the dispensary path, the path to Belass, and developments at Foxford Recreation Park.

Looking ahead, Councillor Cruise announced that the Foxford Town Enhancements project has been divided into three parts to improve feasibility: the Swinford Road path, Dereen Road upgrades, and Castlebar Road enhancements.

He has submitted expressions of interest for funding under the new Leader programme, expected to launch this summer.

“Since these works were allocated funds previously, they will be supported again through larger individual allocations in the new programme,” he explained.

“I am committed to supporting all three applications by allocating the 25% local contributions necessary.”