Fire service access concern at busy N59 junction in west Mayo

A BUSY junction in Westport needs upgrading, with a local councillor expressing concern about access for the local fire service if they have to respond to an emergency at the Quay.

Traffic is regularly backed up at N59 junction coming from the Leenane Road onto the Quay Road.

With a welcome €1.5 million allocated for upgrading the route from the Leenane Road bridge to the Newport Road, Councillor Peter Flynn has asked about plans for the junction, saying there are safety concerns.

It needs to be improved, for both motorists and pedestrians, he told the monthly municipal district meeting.

Confirmation that the funding is for pavement overlay and does not include the junction was met with disappointment. The roads design office are going to raise the junction with TII separately.

If the fire brigade have to come out there it is a health and safety issue, Councillor Brendan Mulroy highlighted. Traffic is built up out the road and it's 'lethal', he said.

How will the fire brigade get to the Quay area to attend to an emergency, he asked.

Perhaps a roundabout or something could be put in, he suggested.

Councillor Flynn requested the council to write to TII asking for clarification on their position.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme