Irish Rail castigated over 'tactics' in Mayo village

AN independent member of Mayo County Council has accused Irish Rail of 'bully-boy tactics' over its plan to shut down the Loughtvarry railway crossing in Ballyvary.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said he was amazed that the company sent in a contractor to start work on closing down the crossing without adhering to mandatory procedures.

Residents of the village staged a protest at the location and were successful in halting the work which would have restricted access by members of the public to a popular leisure loop walk.

Councillor Kilcoyne said he will be raising the matter at the next meeting of Mayo County Council and Castlebar Municipal Council to highlight Irish Rail's failings in the matter as well as trying to find a resolution.

“In this day and age, you just cannot do to any community what the company was planning in Ballyvary. They showed a complete disregard for the people of the village,†he hit out.   

A statement issued by Irish Rail said that the company has decided to stop work at the railway crossing and the access will stay open for now. The spokesperson stated that the company had not spoken to the protesters but intended to do so.