Mayo road works programme faces 30% cut – ‘disaster’ for rural areas | Connaught Telegraph

THE road works programme in Mayo is facing a 30 per cent cut at minimum.

With rising costs impacting delivery, it has been confirmed that no additional monies will be coming down from the department to bridge the funding gap.

The news was delivered to councillors in the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District who were told their road works programme will have to be cut by 30 per cent at least as costs have risen.

The cuts are outside the control of the municipal district, senior engineer Heather Gibbons told members, and they have to work to their allocated budget.

Describing it as 'a disaster for rural Ireland', Councillor Chris Maxwell said central government needs to stand up and come up with funding.

Ms. Gibbons said they had confirmation from the department that there will be no additional money for roads.

Councillor Gerry Coyle said it was shocking to be down 30 per cent as they don't get enough in the first place.

A disappointed Councillor Sean Carey said he hopes some funding will follow through from central government to make up the shortfall.

With the price of crude oil having increased 64 per cent, Councillor Peter Flynn said he wasn't surprised at the costs having gone up 30 per cent, and the government has no control over what's happening in other parts of the world.