Councillor says detour route is showing signs of wear and tear

A Mayo councillor has claimed that a local road being used as an unofficial detour by many motorists due to the construction of a new bridge in Straide is already showing signs of wear and tear.

Cllr Neil Cruise said the L17141 is generally used only by locals but is now being used by many motorists to bypass the works on the N58 at Straide village.

"The road is in such a state there is an extensive area in need of a tar patcher and if this is not done, the road will disintegrate," the Foxford-based councillor told last week's meeting of Mayo County Council.

The works in Straide have resulted in diversions at both Ballyvary and Ballylahan for traffic travelling on the N58.

The council's Director of Services David Mellett said that work is progressing very well on the new bridge in Straide and is on target for completion at the end of November or early December, which will allow for the re-opening of the N58. He added that the official diversion in place only allows for local access on the L17141 and the contractor is liaising with people on that “and reminding road users it is an offence to ignore the official diversion and gardaí can prosecute if you are using it and not a local user". 

In terms of the condition of the road, he said he would follow up on whether there is a need for a tar patcher.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.