Explanation sought from minister over Mayo active travel funding impasse
An elected member of Mayo County Council has called on Minister for Transport Dara O’Brien to explain why no funding has been allocated this year to the Pollavaddy Active Travel Scheme in Balla.
Mayo County Council applied for €615,000 to progress the active travel project from Pollavaddy to Balla.
This section is vital to complete the existing scheme from Heathlawn to Balla, which currently ends abruptly at Pollavaddy.
Despite Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) previously committing to progressing the scheme, no funding was approved in the latest allocation.
“This funding would have completed the active travel route from Heathlawn to Balla,” Councillor Donna Sheridan said.
“At present, the footpath simply stops in Pollavaddy, leaving pedestrians and cyclists exposed and undermining the purpose of the overall scheme.”
Councillor Sheridan also highlighted that the project would address long-standing safety concerns at the dangerous junction in Ardboley, Balla.
“This junction has been raised with me and many other public representatives for years. It is unsafe and well known within the community.
"Minister O’Brien needs to come to Balla, see this junction and see the half-finished active travel scheme in Balla for himself.”
She questioned the accountability surrounding public funds already spent on the project.
Councillor Sheridan elaborated: “TII funded Mayo County Council to carry out two public consultations and to fully develop this scheme, only for it to be shelved and the funding apparently redirected elsewhere.
"Where is the accountability for the public money already invested and the significant time and effort put into this process?
"Are we expected to start again next year and waste even more public resources?”
Councillor Sheridan also expressed broader concerns about TII’s approach to active travel projects.
“Too often TII appears to act without regard for local democratic input.
"I saw this with the Breaffy Active Travel Project where councillors sought a reduced speed limit and were given an ultimatum to accept it or lose the project entirely.
"Similar issues have arisen in Castlebar, where projects were announced year after year without being sanctioned to proceed.”
“Enough is enough,” she concluded.
“The minister must now provide clear answers to the people of Balla and their elected representatives as to why this project has stalled.
"I will continue to stand with and fight for the community I represent to ensure that the Pollavaddy–Balla Active Travel Scheme is not forgotten or abandoned."