The National Roads Authority (NRA) may hold up the N5 Westport to Bohola road if they are not happy with the issue of rezoned land in the new Castlebar town plan.

According to the Mayo News, County Engineer Joe Beirne said the NRA were concerned with rezoning issues and the route selection of the new Castlebar bypass. Speaking at a presentation on the progress of the N5 Wesstport to Bohola, Mr Beirne said: "I see difficulty with Castlebar bypass in relation to the planning approved by the Councillors. There won't be any difficulty with the Westport to Castlebar side or the Castlebar to Bohola side but the show-stopper would be if the NRA have concerns over the zoning of land in Castlebar and where the road goes."

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He warned that the NRA could stop the entire 40km project. He said: "There may be perceived difficulties to overcome if they say all the road or none of the road. The difficulty with Castlebar is that the NRA will not pay for a relief road, they want a by-pass with the minimum amount of inter-connections with the town."

However, Councillor Paddy McGuinness said he was not aware of any NRA concerns regarding the town plan and called for clarity on the issue.

(VB/JM)