€1 million allocated for Carrowholly storm damage repairs

€1 million allocated for Carrowholly storm damage repairs


Neill O’Neill

AFTER months of waiting and fears over what the current winter might bring to their community, the residents of Carrowholly in Westport got good news yesterday when it was confirmed that the Office of Public Works (OPW) allow Mayo County Council to carry over €2 million for storm damage works in Mayo.
There had been fears that the money allocated in 2014, after Storms Brigid and Christine ravaged coastal communities around west Mayo last January, would be withdrawn if it were not spent in 2014. This led to some tense exchanges at council meetings in recent months, but local  Minister of State, Michael Ring, confirmed yesterday that he had received an undertaking from Junior Finance Minister Simon Harris (who has responsibility over the OPW) that this funding can be carried over into 2015.
Over €1 million of this €2 million funding will be used towards the Carrowholly storm damage repairs. The remainder of the funding will be used for storm damage works in Achill, Belmullet and the Westport area.

Studies done
Detailed studies on the damage and local environment in Carrowholly have been undertaken and the residents of the area have been seeking this work for the last year. They had raised concerns of further damage, and feared that in the event of another storm and that their homes would be at risk again.
The storms last January washed away a bridge in Carrowholly, which provides a vital link between the area and Westport town. This was replaced last year.
“I welcome the news that the funding will be spent this year. Mayo County Council were compiling a report on the works needed and I believe this has now been completed. I am hopeful that the work will commence in Carrowholly in the near future,” said Minister Ring
“I am delighted this money has been carried over and I know that Mayo County Council intend to start this work as quickly as possible,” concluded Minister Ring.