Walkability audit to be conducted in east Mayo town

MAYO County Council is to collaborate with local community groups and stakeholders to carry out a walkability audit of Ballyhaunis town on Monday, July 21.

The audit has been welcomed by Councillor Alma Gallagher who has reiterated the urgent need for improved accessibility in Ballyhaunis, particularly highlighting the deteriorating footpaths on Clare Street.

Such issues have made it increasingly challenging for staff and service users of Western Care and the older population to navigate to shops and essential services without having to venture onto the N60, posing a significant safety risk.

Councillor Gallagher has representation on Mayo’s Age Friendly Alliance and her statement comes in the wake of the Irish Wheelchair Association's advocacy campaign, 'Access is No Joke', which aims to raise awareness about the everyday challenges faced by individuals with mobility difficulties.

Her passionate advocacy for improved accessibility in Ballyhaunis reflects a growing recognition of the need for systemic change. She has a personal interest in disability issues as her own father was diagnosed with a neurological condition at the age of 23 years and was a wheelchair user.

At this month’s meeting of Mayo County Council she confirmed the upcoming audit, highlighting the issue with pedestrian and courtesy crossings in the town as well as lack of visibility approaching junctions. “We have had too many accidents at these crossings and the time has come that serious action needs to be taken,” she said, calling for all strategic partners, including councils and transport authorities, to come together to effect change.

The walkability audit will be open to people of all abilities and disabilities.

“We will be meeting at Clare Court Communal Building at 10 a.m. on Monday 21st, where we will break out into groups under the guidance of Mayo County Council to carry out an audit of the town,” she explained.

“This is a great opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by our older population and people with disabilities in our town,” she stated. “Ballyhaunis is a part of the Town Centre First initiative and I would like to thank Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce and Town Centre First Initiative for their support.”