Solutions sought to road dangers in north Mayo
A NUMBER of notices of motion were submitted at the February monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District looking for solutions to road dangers.
Councillor John O'Hara called on the local authority to address 'the very dangerous situation' at Ballina Medical Centre and Atlantic Medical Centre upon entering both, which are located close to each other on the Foxford Road.
In a written response, Declan Ginnelly, engineer, said he would implement proposed safety improvement works, including footpath removal and widening, as per an approved planning permission in accordance with a completed road safety audit. The works are due to be completed in the second quarter of 2026.
Councillor Marie Therese Duffy called on the council to provide a timeline for the installation of vital traffic calming measures on the R314 Killala Road between Leigue Cemetery and the entrance road to Culleens National School.
She was told by engineer Orla Bourke, by way of a written response, that the provision of traffic calming in the area is subject to funding.
“This area is included as Proposal 2 in Ballina LTP and Mayo County Council will continue to seek funding from the NTA for delivery of the proposals. In the interim, some works may be progressed through councillors' GMA or NOM funding.
"An application for low-cost safety funding has been submitted to the department but the 2026 allocation has not been announced to date. It is therefore not possible to provide a timeline at present.”
The council was requested by Councillor Annie May Reape to provide a safe access to the footpath on Ridgepool Road for wheelchair users to be able to access the new footbridge.
“On a daily basis access is blocked with cars parked on the yellow box,” said Councillor Reape.
In his written response, Declan Ginnelly, engineer, said he has asked the traffic warden to inspect the access to the footbridge on a daily basis along the Ridgepool Road, and to take appropriate action where necessary to make sure access is available to wheelchair users.
Finally, Councillor John O'Hara called on the council to erect signage at Rathkip Bridge to make it more driver friendly. There was nearly a fatality there recently, he pointed out.
Engineer Declan Ginnelly, in a written response, said he would carry out a visual assessment on the approaches to the bridge to establish the best possible location for advanced warning signs, to include supplementary information. He noted that notice of motion funding would be required.
* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme