Timeline given for works on 'worst piece of road in County Mayo'

A local councillor has expressed concern at the length of time it will take to realign the “worst piece of road in county Mayo”.

Cllr Michael Loftus called for an update at the recent Ballina Municipal District meeting on the R315 Crossmolina to Lahardane Road at Castlehill and a section of the road north of the Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme (FRS).

In a written response, Mayo Co Council engineer Vincent O’Boyle said the proposed realignment works are currently at Natura Impact Statement (NIS) stage, which will be completed in the third quarter of this year.

The scheme will then be lodged to An Coimisiún Pleanála with anticipated construction in the second half of 2027. He added that an announcement is currently awaited on whether or not the second section near the FRS will receive the required funding.

Cllr Loftus said he had an issue with the timeline.

“It is a narrow section of road that has done a lot of damage to cars. NIS stage is completed this year with another year to get to Pleanála. The timing and funding is a problem for the council,” he said. “It is a positive response but for the time aspect.”

Cllr John O’Hara seconded the motion.

“This is the worst piece of road in county Mayo. It is a dangerous road that badly needs addressing."

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.