Work starts to reinstate controversial Islandeady stone wall

Local Fine Gael Councillor Ger Deere has welcomed the commencement of works to reinstate a stone wall at the entrance to the village of Islandeady. The wall was removed during works to accommodate the new N5 dual carriageway and there was much annoyance in the local community when they were informed that the wall would not be reinstated.

Intense lobbying then took place between community groups, local politicians, Mayo County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and contractors. Eventually, a resolution was reached and a 30 meter stone wall will now be constructed in the coming weeks.

Cllr Deere welcomed the news and said he was delighted the situation had been resolved positively.

"It's great news, but it should never have happened in the first place. The community had to fight so hard to have it replaced and that wasn't fair.

"Over the past few years Islandadeady was the community most discommoded by the dual carriageway works and I hope lessons are learned and no other community or individual had to put up with so much discomfort.

"I would like to thank all who worked to resolve this issue, in particular the Islandeady community groups who work so hard to make their community a great place to live," Cllr Deere concluded.