Planning restrictions to remain along old N5 despite opening of new bypass

Planning restrictions will remain on the old N5 despite the road from Westport to Castlebar being downgraded to a regional road, councillors have been informed.

The opening of the new N5 dual-carriageway to the public has resulted in the old N5 being downgraded to a regional road and the monthly meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District heard that the speed limit is now 80km per hour. New speed limit signs reflecting this will be erected soon, councillors were told.

Westport-based councillor Brendan Mulroy asked the council executive in light of this would planning restrictions, which were in place along the old N5, now be lifted now seen as the speed limit is reduced.

He was informed by Director of Services, Catherine McConnell that this will not be the case.

“It will be a restricted regional road so it will no longer have the national route restrictions on it but it won't be a free for all and unprohibited route. It is still carrying a substantial amount of traffic and will be protected,” she said.

Cllr Mulroy expressed disappointment by the revelation saying that national road planning restrictions were stifling planning around Westport and said that lifting restrictions along the old N5 will free land banks for development.

Housing crisis

“We are talking about a housing crisis in Westport and any restrictions on that road will be absolutely madness as far as I am concerned. It will open up a landbank between Westport and Castlebar to build on in the future and is a perfect opportunity. The planning restrictions are destroying Westport and the west Mayo area and I was hoping that area will be completely opened up,” he said.

Independent councillor John O'Malley called on Mayo County Council to ensure that the old N5 is also included in the Winter Maintenance Plan and is gritted during freezing weather conditions. Head of the Municipal District, Padraig Walsh, said that the Winter Maintenance Plan will be reviewed but it is likely the old N5 will be included in any maintenance plan.

Meanwhile, Pat Staunton, a senior engineer in the Mayo National Roads Design Office told the meeting that they are preparing the tender process for the 5km section of the N59 from Newport to Ardagh with the hope of starting construction early in 2024.

As part of this process, the TII had recommended reducing the speed limit as traffic approached Newport from Mulranny to 80km per hour for 680 metres due to safety concerns over the junction to Furnace and the new housing estate.

Councillors acknowledged that this was a dangerous area and agreed to the recommendations to alter the speed limits along the N59.