Appeal for rethink on Mayo Covid Testing Centre move

An appeal is being made to the HSE to reconsider plans to move the Covid-19 Test Centre from MacHale Park to the Breaffy Sports Centre in the coming weeks.

Councillor Ger Deere said it is not a good time to make the move due to unprecedented attendances at the vaccination centre at the Breaffy facility as well as the fact extensive road works are ongoing in the vicinity.

He elaborated: “I accept the McHale Road centre has been presenting problems in recent weeks due to traffic tailbacks.

"But the move to Breaffy would significantly increase the volume of traffic in the village and present further health and safety risks on the N60.

“This area has seen quite a number of serious accidents over the years and, sadly, a fatality occurred there shortly after Christmas.

“There has been an ongoing campaign to have the speed limit reduced and traffic calming measures introduced through the village of Breaffy.

“Works are still taking place at nearby Kilkenny Cross on the new motorway between Turlough and Westport, so bringing additional traffic into Breaffy is not a great idea at this time.

“I think a more suitable location can be found.”

Councillor Deere praised the outstanding work of the staff at both the test centre and vaccination centre.

“They continue to do an incredible job,” he said.