Neill O'Neill
ACHILL-based county councillor, Paul McNamara, has called for roadworks crews to work 12 hours a day seven days a week in order to complete projects in a more timely fashion. Annoyed at the slow pace of roadworks on the way into and on Achill Island, Cllr McNamara said some people were ‘strolling’ through projects and causing unnecessary delays and disruption to locals and visitors alike.
In relation to the closure of one lane on the R319 between Mulranny and Achill, he said it is now the fifth month of this situation and that closing a ‘regional road to one lane at the busiest time of the year is wrong’.
“It might not be open until October at this rate of going, but if it was the N59 it would have been done,” he stated.
Regarding a recent road closure near Dugort Pier he said that up to 25 houses could not be serviced by bin or oil trucks after a diversion was put in place to facilitate road works.
“I do not understand why we cause that level of disruption, why can’t we work 12-hour days, seven days a week to get it done instead of just strolling through it?” he asked.
Senior Engineer Kieran Lynn informed the meeting that works on the bridge on the R319, where the lane closure is in effect, should start in September as the council have to comply with design and procurement rules. He added that the council are not aware of any disruption regarding the works in Dugort but that the closure had been advertised and no submissions in relation to it had been received.
