Clarity sought on Breaffy speed limit plans

CLARITY is needed on plans for a speed reduction and active travel scheme for Breaffy village.

Councillors have reported mixed messages on local levels of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with proposals to reduce the speed limit to 80 kph.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne warned at a Castlebar Municipal District meeting this week that any planning application seeking an 80 kph limit will be 'turned down flat' by elected members. The limit has to be set at 60 kph.

However, some colleagues said the feedback they were getting was that local residents are happy with the 80 kph proposal, which is due to start going through the planning process in quarter 1 of this year.

Councillor Kilcoyne, in a motion, expressed sympathy with the family of the late David Henning, who lost his life in the recent traffic accident in Breaffy.

His motion called on Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to support the council's policy for a 60 kph limit. If not, councillors would escalate their campaign to ensure it is reduced to this.

His motion was seconded by Councillor Blackie Gavin who said this was promised nearly six years ago after they fought for the 60 kph zone in Bohola.

If the Part 8 planning report due to come before them was for an 80 kph zone they would turn it down.

Councillor Cyril Burke said they rejected it two years ago and it went back to the people of Breaffy for consultation with TII and the council.

He hasn't seen the proposal that is coming before them and he wanted to see maps and drawings. He was hopeful it would be acceptable to the local people.

Councillor Donna Sheridan suggested they invite TII and the Regional Design Office team in to discuss the plans as soon as possible.

Also asking for full details and maps, Councillor Al McDonnell said there was a 'rumour' that a 60 kph limit would apply at certain times of the day. He wanted to know if that was true.

He understood there was satisfaction with what is proposed, but his colleague Councillor Kilcoyne said he has yet to meet anyone who is accepting an 80 kph limit.

Councillor Ger Deere said they needed more clarity on the matter. He understood many people are happy with the proposals, a view that was also cathaoirleach Councillor Martin McLoughlin's experience.

Senior roads engineer Ann Sweeney recommended a workshop, attended by the roads design team, where questions could be answered.

The cathaoirleach requested full information for councillors and said the matter will be on the agenda for their February meeting.