West Mayo active travel measures on public display

PLANS are on display for safety measures along the Newport Road in Westport, starting at Cedar Park and heading towards the town.

It will include two pedestrian crossings and significant improvements to the exits at the GAA pitch/King's Hill and Deerpark East/Pinewoods, Councillor Peter Flynn explained.

The plans are on display until December 18, with the work to be done early next year.

Members of the public can have their say online at https://consult.mayo.ie/browse.

The Westport Local Transportation Plan was finally approved in October and this is the first recommendation to be advanced, explained Councillor Flynn.

The next route to be progressed will be from Monamore on the Lodge Road, linking up with the two secondary roads and on to the railway station.

The Ballinrobe Road and Leenane Road are next up on the priority list.

Said Councillor Flynn: “All of the funding for active travel is via the National Transportation Authority (NTA), which is funded directly by government budgets. I hope the new government will prioritise budgets for NTA active travel programmes like this, not just around Westport but in every town and village in the country.

“This type of work, along with inter-urban greenways and the reduction of speed limits around towns, can transform the way we all travel to work, school, shops, sports, etc.

“No one will argue that this has taken way too long but thankfully we are finally seeing some real progress. Let's hope we see now this type work prioritised and fast-tracked.”