Mayo councillor welcomes work to Windy Gap road following forestry damage

A CASTLEBAR councillor has welcomed the completion of safety and improvements works carried out by Mayo County Council at the scenic Windy Gap .

Fine Gael councillor Ger Deere, who is contesting the local elections in the Castlebar Electoral Area along with other councillors in the area had raised the dangerous condition that this spot was left in after forestry work.

The Fine Gael councillor explained that after the trees were cleared some months back the work left no protection to motorists who were exposed to a steep embankment .

However work was recently carried out on the road in the scenic area which included building up a protective bank along the edge and widening the other side.

Cllr Deere said that he hopes in time a more permanent barrier can be put in place to protect all road users on this busy road. He added that this road or any other road can not be left in a similar condition after trees are felled.

“The forestry operators need to have proper consultation with the council before felling commences to ensure the situation that happened at the Windy Gap never happens again in any other area where a location was left in such a dangerous condition which could lead to serious accidents or fatalities. All this should be part of felling licences for these forestry operators,” he said.