The Director of Roads with Mayo County Council has said it will be “extremely challenging” to spend an allocation of €1.2 million for a South Mayo road development as no contractor has yet been appointed for the works.
The seven-figure allocation for the upgrade of the R332 Kilmaine to Tuam road at Foxhall, which was the only allocation in the county under Strategic Regional and Local Roads, was announced in March of this year. However, Director of Roads Tom Gilligan said there have been delays in the project and it is now unlikely that Mayo County Council will be able to spend the allocation of €1.2 million.
“No contractor has been appointed and is unlikely to be appointed before the last quarter of the year,” he said.
“We don’t get the road allocation until March and then we have processes and procedure to go through and there have been delays.
“The reality is, there is no contractor in place until the last quarter and it will be extremely challenging to spend that money.”
Cllr Damien Ryan said the money has to be spent and as a public representative, he would accept no less.
“As public representatives, we won’t put up with that. I certainly want it spent and we need to be in a position to accept an allocation in 2026,” he said.
“Whatever has to happen to get the work underway, has to happen. I can’t tolerate this, the people can’t wait.
“As a county councillor, I am not standing over a scenario where even one shilling is sent back to the Department,” added Cllr Ryan.
Cllr Patsy O’Brien said if the money is not spent, they will be seen as councillors unable to spend their allocations and who have to send money back to the Department and may struggle to obtain further allocations for these works.
“We’re six months down the line and nothing has been done. We want the work done,” he said.
In the wake of this, Minister of State Alan Dillon released a statement to reaffirm his determination to ensure that the €1.2 million allocation is retained and fully delivered. Minister Dillon said he has spoken directly to Mr Gilligan and Council Chief Executive Kevin Kelly to discuss the obstacles in progressing the R332.
This road is a key artery for South Mayo, linking the region to the M17 motorway and supporting both local connectivity and economic development,” he said.
“It is vital that this funding is not just retained, but that the commitments made around timely delivery and the deployment of key project resources particularly the appointment of a contractors are upheld in full.
“I have also contacted Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien to raise the issue directly, emphasising the need for flexibility and support where necessary to safeguard this investment.”
