Progress on controversial west Mayo Greenway expected in March

The progression of the Greenway from Westport to Murrisk remains a priority for the design team working on the project according to a senior council official.

Councillors in the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District were informed that design on the controversial Greenway extension from Belclare to Murrisk is currently being reviewed with an update expected to be made in March.

The Murrisk Greenway project is being developed by Mayo County Council in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The preferred route option will see the Greenway go off road from Aughavale Cemetery via the townlands of Cloonagh, Kiladangan and Deerpark towards Murrisk and will cut through land at the foot of Croagh Patrick.

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This route has faced strong opposition from a number of landowners who have formed a committee to oppose it and the possible CPO of land.

Speaking at the monthly municipal district meeting, Westport-based councillor Brendan Mulroy said that the project was creating a lot of problems for people in the area and called on the council to deal with it quickly.

“It needs to be dealt with as soon as possible because it is problematic. Lets not beat about the bush here it is going to be one of the most problematic things to arrive in front of us at a council meeting. I can't figure out for the life of me how they have not arrived at a decision for the preferred route considering the presentation we got. We have seen what the preferred route is and it is quite clear what the preferred route is going to be so at least come out and put it on the table,” he said.

Seamus Ó Mongáin, Head of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District explained that the design is currently in review but is a priority for the National Roads Design Office who are dealing with it.

“I do know work is ongoing and they are continuously trying to optimise it so that it is to everybody's satisfaction. They are working hard to make sure that Greenway does get to Louisburgh.

“It is a priority for the National Roads Office and the delivery of the Greenway is their priority and they are moving on with it continuously,” he explained.

Mr Ó Mongáin added that he expects the final decision on the route to come before the councillors to decide but this will depend on the environmental evaluation.