Call to pedestrianise busy Mayo shopping street

A member of Mayo County Council has spoken with the head of the Ballina Municipal District, Declan Turnbull, about the possibility of pedestrianising Pearse Street in the town for a trial period.

Councillor Mark Duffy has also held discussions with Mags Downey of Ballina.ie and Ballina Chamber of Commerce

The independent representative explained on his Facebook page: “Given the current pandemic, a greater need has been placed on businesses and local authorities to allow for social distancing.

“Pearse Street is one of the main shopping streets of the town and businesses on the street could benefit with extra outdoor space during shopping hours.”

His pedestrianisation proposal is:

Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. until midnight.

Saturday: 10 a.m. until midnight.

Sunday: All day.

He said the benefits would be:

* Additional space and capacity with outdoor seating for businesses on the street such as The Loft pub, Rouse’s pub, Moca Beams Cafe, Costa Coffee and Supermacs, for example.

* Additional space for social distancing.

* Safer and more accessible for the elderly and disabled.

* Encouragement for more music and entertainment during summer months, which will be needed after a long lock down and most suitable outdoors.

* Minimum distribution to traffic as its outside peak times.

* Businesses deliveries can be carried out, outside of pedestrian times.

* Provision of parking exists with the street being served by Bank of Ireland car parks, Loft Lane car park, Market Square car park and Military Barracks car park.

He added: "Is it time that people were prioritised over cars?

"If nothing else, I think it’s worth considering given how suitable and well designed Pearse Street is.

“I’m interested in feedback from businesses and shoppers, join the conversation by letting me know your thoughts.”