New pedestrian crossing planned for busy Mayo street

A NEW pedestrian crossing is the offing for Teeling Street, Ballina, where the new Aldi store has increased the level of vehicular and pedestrian activity.

Citing safety concerns for pedestrians and drivers, Councillor Annie May Reape tabled a notice of motion a Ballina Municipal District calling for the installation of a pedestrian cross on Teeling Street, near Ballina Community Centre.

Councillor Reape explained: “Since Aldi opened, it has become very dangerous for the drivers and volunteers going to and from the centre plus all the other daily traffic going through this route.”

Senior executive engineer Orla Bourke told the meeting that Aldi had been conditioned as part of their grant of planning to provide a controlled crossing at the location, and that approval details are being finalised with TII as Teeling Street is part of a national route (N59).

The decision was broadly welcomed, though the potential for additional traffic delays was highlighted as a concern.