Traffic data being collected on clogged Mayo street - but it 'isn't the bogeyman'

Ballina Municipal District staff and councillors are working towards a solution to a traffic flow and road safety issue on Kevin Barry Street.

Temporary bollards that block a portion of a filter lane are to be removed and then data will be collected for two weeks to see what impact the change has.

Engineer Orla Bourke has outlined that a meeting was held recently with Ballina Chamber of Commerce and members of the local business community to hear their concerns and suggestions with regard to the build up of traffic on the street.

Following a discussion, it was agreed that the temporary bollards will remain in place until today (Wednesday) to allow some more data be collected between then and May 6.

All the data collected up to April 22 will then be compared with data collected after the bollards have been removed for a final report, which will be ready before the next Ballina MD meeting.

Ms. Bourke highlighted that Traffic Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has confirmed a 9.5% increase in traffic volume on the N26 (which leads on to Kevin Barry Street), and that impacts on public safety and traffic flow.

Director of services Catherine McConnell added that contact has been made with roads director of services, David Mellett, to work with Ms. Bourke on some possible solutions.

While welcoming the update, councillors in unison called for a solution to be implemented as quickly as possible as traffic delays are impacting business in Ballina.

Ms. McConnell said that the Kevin Barry Street issue 'isn't the bogeyman' when it comes to traffic problems in the town.

Meanwhile, it was also agreed to hold a workshop with Mr. Mellett on April 28 to discuss not just Kevin Barry Street, but also road projects throughout Ballina town and in the wider MD area.

* Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.