Connaught Telegraph - County Mayo

Some articles from the Connaught Telegraph from 1996 to 1999

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Cong sketches optimistic blueprint for future

 

A major bypass has been proposed to relieve industrial and tourist traffic in Cong, one of County Mayo's oldest and most historic villages16 December 1998

 

 

BYPASS SUGGESTED TO EASE CONGESTION

By Tom Shiel

A major bypass has been proposed to relieve industrial and tourist traffic in Cong, one of Mayo's oldest and most historic villages.

The local community- including politicians, industrialists and members of the development agencies- are overwhelmingly in favour of the diversion, according to the Cong Community Development Association.

In their very well received publication "Cong: A Community Profile", which was launched by President McAleese last week, the Association points out that the traffic situation is of particular concern in the area.

All who were consulted in the course of the Association's research believed that an alternative route would take away the dust and improve the environs of the village.

ACTION PLAN

The Association is now to actively pursue the idea of a bypass as part of a future Action Plan. The Cong Profile explains: "In conjunction with local people and both local authorities (Mayo and Galway), a bypass corridor shall be put in place to preserve lands.

"This corridor could incorporated in future village and/or county development plans. In the meantime, works needs to be done on short term alleviation of traffic through parking restrictions and the provision of a bus park in the village".

Writing in the "Profile", local industrialist, John Joe McGrath of McGrath's Quarries, argues strongly the case for a bypass which he says is "urgently needed".

Mr. McGrath said he hopes that the next five years will bring this development to reality. He added: ""The traffic congestion in Cong affects my business and also the environmental fabric of the village".

The industrialist went on to explain that all his company's business is conducted with the use of large, heavy lorries. "It is extremely difficult and frustrating for the drivers of these lorries to face daily traffic problems on the streets of Cong. It is equally difficult on the streets having to withstand the weight of the vehicles".

Amongst the negative points about Cong highlighted in the 'Community Profile', are- distance (over 20 miles) from the nearest service centres of Galway and Castlebar and the lack of a year round Tourist Office and Community Centre.

LACK OF PARKING

Also, due to a shortage of car and bus parking in the village, many tourists and coaches do not stop in Cong.

The "Profile" points out that approach roads to Cong are edged with a variety of advertisements and road signs. There is no standardisation of these signs and consequently they are difficult to read.

Another "weakness" is a perception by the community of their village developing "in the shadow" of Ashford Castle and a lack of coverage by the local media because of Cong's location "on the periphery of a number of franchises".

On a positive note, however, the "Profile notes Cong's "strong, growing, tourism infrastructure" and the fact that it is holding its own as regards population.

There is a strong Community Games organisation and other clubs in Cong and there are a good number of committed community activists in the area.

Recent development has been consistent with the village's character and, the fact that Cong is located on an island, means the scope for sprawling development is curtailed.

 

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - December 1998