Gardaí asked to patrol Mayo roads where residents are 'living in terror' over excessive speeding

A formal request has been lodged with An Garda Siochana to patrol Mayo roads crossing the N26 and N48 due to growing concerns over excessive speeding in the locality.

The submission has been made by Foxford-based Councillor Neil Cruise.

He explained: "I have received many complaints of people driving with excessive speed on the Renbrack to Ummoon road, through Toomore and on the connecting Collonaughton to Cregnafyla roads.

"While I have raised my concerns at meeting of Mayo County Council and the Ballina Municipal District and specifically requested that speed ramps to be installed, the council's technical staff were not in agreement, stating ramps can cause as many accidents as they prevent.

"In light of this and the fact that more people are using these roads to cross from the N26 (Foxford to Swinford road) to the N58 (Foxford to Straide road), I have formally asked the Garda Traffic Corps to patrol these roads.

"While speed limits are in place, it must be remembered that the traffic corps have discretion and can determine that someone is driving dangerously even if they are not exceeding the speed limits.

"While this may not be a popular move, I have to go with my conscience due to the genuine concerns that are being voiced to me.

"I will be bringing this matter to the notice of the council's roads strategic policy committee next week and circulating correspondence to people living in these areas who are directly affected and seeking their assistance.

"Every action must be taken to ensure a serious accident causing injury is avoided.

"Local residents, some with young families, are living in terror of some people using these roads.

"That is simply not good enough. Some people's driving habits on these roads have to change."