Unhappy with response to traffic lights proposal for Mayo town

A RESPONSE to a request for traffic lights in Ballyhaunis town centre and improved car parking lining in the town has disappointed local Councillor Alma Gallagher.

The Fine Gael representative asked Mayo County Council to engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for a feasibility study to be carried out for the installation of traffic lights at Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, having regard to traffic volumes, pedestrian safety, the junction layout, and the strategic importance of the route.

She also asked the executive to carry out marking, clearly identifying on-street car parking spaces, to encourage more efficient parking, improve traffic flow, and maximise available parking capacity within the town.

In a written reply, Conrad Harley, acting head of roads, said: The first priority for this location is for improvement works at the existing adjacent pedestrian crossing on Bridge Street. This will involve improvements to the crossing, including the provision of a raised crossing, movement of this crossing to away from the shop entrance, increasing visibility of the flashing beacons and additional advance signage.

These works will complement the new adjacent footbridge which when completed along with the upgraded pedestrian facility will significantly improve the safety of pedestrians along this street.

Works on both of these projects are expected to commence in 2026. When these works are completed, consideration will then be given for the signalisation of the junction referred to above.

Expressing her dissatisfaction with the reply, Councillor Gallagher said her motion was in response to increased traffic congestion on Clare Street at peak times, with intensive industry in the area.

She has received representations for yellow boxes, double yellow lines and clearly defined parking bays, and the issues were raised in the recent walkability audit too.

The absence of defined parking areas is having a negative impact on local businesses, she added.

Councillor Gallagher, speaking at a municipal district meeting, said she could not understand why they had to wait for the other projects to be finished before looking at a desktop feasibility study for the traffic lights.

* Published under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme