Road safety at busy Mayo town location called into serious question

A very concerned parent has written to local councillors expressing fears over road safety in the general Garryduff area of Castlebar.

An edited version of the letter stated: "I walk my son to school most days. Everyday I witness poor driver behaviour, mainly in respect of speeding.

"A couple of weeks ago me and my son had a near miss with a car emerged from an estate at speed.

"Some cars are travelling so fast in this area that I have to make sure my son stays close to the inside of the pavement because I am that fearful of a car mounting the pavement.

"This is a 30kph zone and, while it can be difficult to stay below that limit, as I know from driving the road myself, these cars are travelling in excess of 50kph.

"Cars travelling along Pound Road are not much better, particular those coming off the Newport Road.

"This is an accident waiting to happen, particularly with the additional houses being built in the area, which will lead to more traffic and no doubt additional unsafe driving.

"I believe that speed bumps are needed for both Garryduff Park and Pound Road to avoid potential accidents or worse.

"Children should feel safe walking or cycling to school in the morning.

"My child will shortly be of the age to be more independent and be able to walk or cycle to school by himself, but I don't feel that it's safe enough to allow this.

"I urge you to seriously consider measures to put in place to mitigate against speeding in this part of Castlebar.

"I know there are other issues too, such as drivers breaking red lights at the St. Gerald's College and the Newport Road junction.

"But I feel there are more immediate risks in relation to speeding motorists at the locations in question."