West Mayo villagers up in arms over potholed 'rat run'

WHAT was once a quiet, rural road is now a ‘rat run’ for motorists trying to avoid an increasingly congested Westport town.

So grumble residents who live along the L1813 – the three mile or so stretch that links the Westport to Ballinrobe road with the Castlebar to Westport link (N5) close to Cloggernagh.

The householders, who are becoming increasingly vociferous, are being strongly supported in their stance by Martin McLoughlin, a Fianna Fáil member of Mayo County Council.

The Islandeady based councilllor is adamant that the lack of a ring (relief) road in Westport is the main cause of the huge surge in traffic volumes through townlands such as Cashel.

“It's a short cut, a rat-run, for west Mayo motorists going to and from Castlebar.

“The volume and nature of the traffic, which includes huge lorries, is a cause of concern. There are potholes everywhere because the narrow road is being regularly 'busted'.

“In fact the road – despite some repairs by the council in the past week – is in a diabolical state because of potholes, some of them so large they could accurately be described as craters.”

To prove his point, Councillor McLoughlin brought 'Man on the Bridge' in his jeep to meet disgruntled members of the community to view the damage caused by the constant flow of traffic.

Angela Cannon spoke despairingly of a litany of busted tyres and twisted alloy.

Her neighbour, Owen O'Malley, related similar tales, stating that one local resident (Tom O'Brien) was regularly called on by distressed motorists at all hours of the night to assist in changing damaged wheels.

“All winter these deep potholes have been full of water and the motorists don't even see there are potholes there until they smash into them,” Mr. O'Malley explained.

As he poked a stick in a yawning pothole, local resident Tommy Clarke was highly sceptical of the quality of tar being used in road repairs locally.

“The stuff they're putting in now is only frozen mud. It lasts for a few days and if a shower of rain comes it's quickly washed away again,” he commented.

Recently, residents compiled a document which highlights their concerns regarding the L1813, locally known as the Aughagower Road.

The document outlined that the volume and nature of traffic on the road gives rise to three main concerns – the safety of users and residents, the impact on the quality of life of residents, particularly children, and damage to property, particularly to those houses close to the road.

Concerned residents maintain the only long-term solution to the problem is the development of a ring road for Westport which would eliminate much of the through traffic on the L1813.

In the short-term, say residents, a series of traffic calming measures are necessary. These include reduced speed limits and weight restrictions.