Pledge to keep key bypass on agenda amid 'worst traffic' in the county

The Cathaoirleach of the Claremorris-Municipal District has said he will keep the Ballinrobe bypass as a standing item on the area’s monthly meeting agenda until the project makes substantial progress.

Cllr Damien Ryan told last week's municipal district meeting that until there is "a line on a map" agreed with the Department of Transport and a route option for the bypass, he intends to raise the issue at each monthly meeting seeking updates on the awaited project.

“A job of works needs to be advanced and a route needs to be identified as fast as we can. Ballinrobe is getting left behind and we need this critical piece of infrastructure,” he said.

Cllr Michael Burke supported his colleague and said the Ballinrobe bypass plan ‘hasn’t gone anywhere’ in the last number of months despite the town having what he called the biggest traffic problems in the county.

“People can’t live with this much longer,” he said.

Cllr Patsy O’Brien said this project needs a political push at the highest level and praised Cllr Ryan for his strong stance on the delivery of the bypass.

Paul Hyland from Mayo Co Council's National Roads Design Office is to attend next month's municipal meeting to give an update on a number of projects.