Anger over delay in diverting HGVs from narrow Mayo street

The leas cathaoirleach Al McDonnell of Castlebar Municipal District has spoken of his dissatisfaction with rectifying HGV traffic travelling toward Castle Street and getting stuck.

Councillor Al McDonnell hit out: “I raised it again at the last meeting in Belcarra, but I see no improvement.

“The solution is far simpler than others.”

Councillor McDonnell claims SatNav brings these trucks that come in from the Newport Road, which then sends them through Market Square and onto Castle Street.

He spoke about having to assist drivers after “they fail to take the turn at Stewart’s corner,” which he said causes “chaos every time.”

The councillor witnessed chaos at 7 p.m. one evening, came out from the shops to help them come out from the turn.

"Many of the drivers are not Irish, with poor English and need to be assisted all the way back, it’s a major operation, puts pedestrians in danger. I', disappointed it hasn’t been solved."

David Mellett, head of the district, said it’s not easy to get sat-nav data to re-route, but that signage is the way to go.

He added that there are signs currently there at Newtown, but they are “being ignored.”