East Mayo plan 'brings a glimmer of light to the Black Triangle'

A Mayo elected representative has welcomed confirmation that Ballyhaunis will be included in the preparation of an Active Travel Plan through a Community Transport Study (CTS) — the first such plan to be undertaken in County Mayo, describing the announcement as 'a glimmer of light for the Black Triangle'.

The decision follows years of frustration over the continued exclusion of the so-called Black Triangle area — encompassing Ballyhaunis, Kiltimagh and Charlestown — from Active Travel funding allocations administered by the National Transport Authority.

Councillor Alma Gallagher stated: “For too long this region has been overlooked.

“This study represents a real turning point. It is a glimmer of light for the Black Triangle and a gateway to long-overdue investment in sustainable transport and local infrastructure.”

The Community Transport Study is a non-statutory document which seeks to identify the main transportation challenges facing Ballyhaunis and to propose indicative active travel and transport measures to address those challenges.

The study will provide a strategic framework that can be progressed through further assessment, planning, funding and delivery, subject to any necessary statutory consents.

The Ballyhaunis study will be developed in a similar manner to the Kinvara Active Travel and Community Transport Study, with a strong focus on walking, cycling, public transport integration and improvements to the public realm.

The Active Travel Unit of Mayo County Council has confirmed that initial data gathering for the Ballyhaunis Transport Study has now been completed.

This will allow for the preparation of a desktop proposal for an active travel network, with other transport modes assessed to ensure strong synergy across all networks.

Early public engagement is expected in February or March, with a consultation period of approximately three to four weeks.

A further consultation will take place following environmental assessment, with the study expected to be completed in Quarter 2 or Quarter 3 of 2026.

Councillor Gallagher confirmed that she will be pressing for a number of key infrastructure priorities to be examined and progressed through the study and subsequent funding programmes, including the reinstatement of N60 investment that was de-committed three years ago, the amalgamation and upgrading of public lighting schemes between Ballyhaunis town and the Cottages Estate, the delivery of new and improved footpaths where gaps currently exist, a feasibility study for traffic lights on Clare Street, additional car parking at the railway station to support commuters, the inclusion of the Ballyhaunis-to-Knock greenway as a strategic active travel and tourism link

Councillor Gallagher also took the opportunity to commend the work of the Active Travel Unit within Mayo County Council.

“I want to sincerely acknowledge the professionalism and commitment shown by Cathy Mellett, along with Padraig Flanagan and Tom Gilligan.

"Their engagement, expertise and willingness to work with the local community have been instrumental in bringing Ballyhaunis to this important stage.”

She concluded by stressing that the study represents an opportunity to correct years of imbalance in regional investment.

“This is not just a plan on paper. It is a gateway to funding and a chance to finally deliver safer, more connected and more sustainable infrastructure for Ballyhaunis and the wider Black Triangle.

"Balanced development must be backed by real action, and this study is a vital step in that direction.”