Life rendered 'impossible' in Mayo parish due to behaviour of car enthusiasts

LIFE has been rendered 'impossible' for residents in the area of Drumrevagh, outside Ballina, due to the unsociable behaviour of car enthusiasts late at night, according to a local public representative.

Councillor Joe Faughnan had a motion before the May monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District calling on Mayo County Council to write to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to consider the installation of plastic bollards at the Drumrevagh junction on the N26 – bollards similar to those installed on the N17 at Claremorris.

“The Drumrevagh junction has become a popular location for unsociable behaviour late at night. Cars congregate and the noise created has made life impossible for local residents,” Councillor Faughnan stated in his motion.

Elaborating further at the meeting, he said that at a funeral some months ago, at a distance back from the road, the noise of the cars could be clearly heard. There are 30/35 houses in close proximity and the issue affects a lot of people, he added.

“I don't know if it (installation of bollards) is possible but it is something that needs to be addressed,” Councillor Faughnan stated.

In seconding the proposal, Councillor John O'Hara said: “It's very unsightly to see the road black with rubber. You can hear the noise two miles away. People are entitled to sleep and not be annoyed.”

Councillor Marie Therese Duffy said it is an issue county-wide and mused that a dedicated space for car enthusiasts might be needed.

It's 'astonishing' how young people can afford to do what they're doing, said Councillor Michael Loftus, who suggested cameras and signs in the area might deter the behaviour.

He added that many of the offending vehicles are not road-worthy. “Why gardaí are not confiscating them is another question that needs to answered,” he said. “A letter to the new superintendent coming to Ballina in relation to this should be done as well, perhaps.”

Orla Bourke, acting senior executive engineer, said the practice is happening 'all over' but she agreed that the council would make contact with TII in relation to Drumrevagh.

* Funded by the Local Democracy Funding Scheme.