Mayo road was left in an 'appalling' state after works

A number of tyres have been punctured on cars travelling the R319 road following works by a broadband company that dug up the road to lay cables, according to Achill-based councillor Cllr Paul McNamara.

Cllr McNamara told Westport-Belmullet Municipal District meeting that there have been a number of incidents in the vicinity of Achill and Mulranny where the road was cut open and services installed and then the surface was not properly replaced and caused major damage to vehicles. 

Cllr McNamara wanted to know whether Mayo County Council or the contractors were liable for the damage, whether there was a licence in place for the works and, if so, was it adhered to.

“So many vehicles drove into those cuts in the road. I know two punctures were the result for a number of people. It’s appalling a road was left in that state.” 

Head of the district, Seamus O'Mongáin, said the works were carried out by a private contractor under licence and the council would not be in a position to intervene until the firm finished and the road was taken back by the council.