Delays in Active Travel works is 'holding back' housing development in Westport

Delays in implementing Active Travel works around Westport are holding back housing and other critical developments in the town, according to a local councillor.

Cllr Peter Flynn told last week's meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District that several hundred thousand euros were allocated for works along the Lodge Road/Old Castlebar Road and Distillery Road in 2020 but nothing has happened. 

“There are young families living in the new houses now with children, and Mayo County Council has further land zoned there along the Lodge Road but it is not fit to be used because there are no footpaths and lights.

“One developer also wants to build 80 affordable houses there but can’t go ahead without these works. Likewise a school crossing at Distillery Road and other works up to Altamont Street can’t progress because nothing is happening."

Cllr Flynn asked council management to write to the National Transport Authority (NTA) to find out what is happening with this allocation of Active Travel funding. 

"This is a critical piece of infrastructure in terms of housing and the health and safety of our young kids so please report back to the next meeting on what is happening and how to progress it. The NTA have created a nightmare around the process of Active Travel. I have no doubt if this work was given to the Municipal District to do, it would have been done in 12 months. It really is a serious matter that has huge implications for our town and I appeal to you to move it forward.”