Concerns about overgrown vegetation at junctions in Mayo

ISSUES with overgrown vegetation at junctions and along roads are being raised by councillors in Mayo.

Concerns were voiced at the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District (MD) meeting this week, while in the east and south of the county, Councillor Alma Gallagher has highlighted issues in her area on social media.

Louisburgh Councillor Chris Maxwell described junctions in his area, which is a tourist hotspot, as a 'disgrace'.

They should have been cut back a month ago, he suggested at the MD meeting, to keep the roads safe for locals and tourists.

It needs to start earlier in the year, he stressed.

Thankfully, Councillor Maxwell noted, on his way to the meeting on Monday morning he met the hedge cutter.

The councillor was told there is legislation around the bird nesting season, which left him wondering if birds are more important than children on bicycles.

Some of the road sides are in a deplorable state, he said, never mind the junctions, and it was a health and safety issue.

And he also asked that if he took matters into his own hands and cut the verges, would he be breaking the law.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Brendan Mulroy clarified that where there is a health and safety issue, hedges can be cut.

Members were told the council is now out cutting in the area, with a focus primarily on junctions.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the county, Councillor Alma Gallagher said she has received a number of concerns from motorists regarding overgrown roadside verges that are severely restricting visibility at a number of junctions around Ballyhaunis, Knock and Claremorris. Two particular hotspots are Morley's Corner, Cave, Ballyhaunis, and Hollywell Crossroads on the Claremorris Road.

“The overgrowth makes it extremely difficult for drivers to safely see approaching traffic when emerging onto the main road or when turning into side roads. This is a serious road safety issue that increases the risk of collisions,” she said.

Councillor Gallagher, through her social media, asked members of the public to get in touch if there are other locations where overgrown verges are creating similar dangers so she report them.

She stressed that standard verges will not be cut until September, only verges creating safety concerns.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme