Calls for meeting to discuss traffic concerns in north Mayo town

COUNCILLORS in Ballina are threatening to call a public meeting on road traffic delays and possible solutions if Transport Infrastructure Ireland personnel don't address concerns.

While funding of €800,000 for N26 route selection and €300,000 for the Ballina Relief Road was announced last week, Councillor John O'Hara told the monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District more is needed for the eastern side of the relief road, which would significantly ease traffic congestion.

“People are paying rates and paying tax, and they want money for the new route to be done. If TII do not want to come here (for a meeting), we'll call a public meeting,” said Councillor O'Hara.

Backing her colleague, Councillor Marie Therese Duffy said the eastern relief road should be prioritised over all other routes. “It's the only thing that will help with traffic,” she stated.

The cathaoirleach of Ballina MD, Councillor Jarlath Munnelly, said: “Never mind TII, we do not even know what Mayo County Council are doing about it (the route). That is why we need the roads people in here to meet us.”

He called for Mayo County Council's senior roads personnel to attend a Ballina MD meeting. “We have no input in relation to road projects in this area, so we need to have them here to discuss that.”

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme