Breaffy curate calls for action on dangerous roadway

SEVERAL hundred people attended a protest rally in Breaffy today in support of demands for a 60 kmph speed limit through the village.

They were joined by local curate Fr. John McCormack who, in an impassioned speech, said it was high time that what he described as “passing the buck” stopped on the vital issue.

“We need action," he stated.

Fr. McCormack described as 'insane' that the stretch of N60 from Kilnock and Kilkenny Cross – a series of twists and turns, hills and hollows- had an 80 to 100 speed limit.

Walking along and trying to cross the hugely busy stretch was an absolutely nightmare, he continued

Fr. McCormack said there had been too many sad funerals in the communitty because of road deaths on the route and he predicted there will be more unless action on the speed limit issue is taken.

Public representatives who attended the protest included Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District, Councillor Blackie Gavin, cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, as well as Councillor Cyril Burke, Councillor Joe McHale and Councillor Henry Kenny.

Councillor Kilcoyne told the gathering that the latest offer from Transport Infrastucture Ireland (TII) was that they would reduce the speed limit to 60 kph and provide flashing lights at school opening and school closing times.

When the tossed out the question to the crowd if such an arrangement was acceptable the answer he got back was a unanimous 'No'.

George Moran, principal of Breaffy National School, also addressed the rally.

He said the local Road Safety Action Group need to be complimented for improving the village and their aspirations for a permanent 60 kmph limit through the village.