Overhanging trees causing traffic mayhem in Mayo

Overgrown trees are becoming a growing hazard across the Castlebar area.

So much so that local elected representatives are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further accidents and property damage.

Councillor Ger Deere warned that overhanging branches are leading to serious incidents on the roads, even if it’s outside the normal tree-cutting season.

“There’s huge problems along rural roads,” he said.

“Wing mirrors are being broken. On Cottage Road, Breaffy, a bin truck clipped an overhanging tree, swung back and struck a car with a woman and three children inside. It did a lot of damage.”

Councillor Deere added that a motorist on the Windy Gap had his van damaged more than once, and that the issue is widespread.

“The onus is on us as the local authority,” he said.

“At Errew school, there are buses and trucks passing daily, and a lot of damage is being caused. We need to get on top of line-marking and tree cutting now.”

Councillor Blackie Gavin has praised the council for swift action taken at the Sion Hill junction after he raised concerns at a previous meeting.

“There was a rapid response by the council and the junction is now much safer,” said Councillor Gavin.

“But we still need work done on trees at the back of Lucan Street, on Lucan Street itself, and on Lower Charles Street.

"Trees in the Main Street car park were also cut back, they were nearly taking the eye out of you and I want to thank the council for that work.”