"Worst piece of road in county Mayo" won't be fixed until late next year

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

Cllr Michael Loftus raised a notice of motion calling for updates on the R315 Crossmolina to Lahardane at Castlehill and a section of the road north of the Crossmolina Flood Relief Scheme (FRS).

In a written response, Engineer Vincent O’Boyle said that the proposed realignment works at currently at Natura Impact Statement stage which will be completed in Q3 2026.

The scheme will then be lodged to An Comisiun Pleanala with anticipated construction in Q3/Q4 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 Pleanala. 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 supported his comments and seconded the motion.

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