Site visit requested by councillors over Mayo junction plan

CASTLEBAR councillors have requested a site visit to see if residents' concerns about the Balloor junction in Breaffy can be resolved.

Residents are unhappy with a redesign of the junction, as part of the Breaffy Active Travel Scheme, saying it creates a deathtrap.

Their concerns were aired by local councillors at their monthly municipal district meeting yesterday where they requested a site visit to see first-hand themselves what's happening on the ground.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said part of the roads office brief is to communicate and consult with people and this junction had not been explained to them.

They have concerns, said Councillor Ger Deere, and it needs to be looked at and clarification given.

Municipal head David Mellett said the design was displayed as part of the project planning application.

At 20 metres, the junction is wide and high risk for pedestrians and other non-motorised users. It is being changed to nine metres, which will reduce higher vehicle speeds and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. It will be able to accommodate all vehicular traffic.

The roads design office has spoken with residents in recent days and the site visit requested can be arranged, he said.

Councillor Harry Barrett commented that it is probably one of the most dangerous junctions as it is at the moment and it can't be left the way it is. Changes have to be made.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme