Traffic trial proposed in bid to ease congestion in east Mayo town

A one-way system is due to be trialled later this year in Kiltimagh in a bid to alleviate traffic snarls in the town.

The town regularly comes to a standstill where trucks meet and cannot pass.

Proposals for a one-way system should be going out to public consultation in the next few months, Councillor Adrian Forkan told the monthly Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District meeting.

A trial could possibly be held around September, when the schools return, to get a true reflection of how it will work.

Having met with the local engineer and overseer, a route is being proposed and work is taking place on the plans, he said.

At certain times of the day the whole town is gridlocked, Councillor Forkan explained.

If a truck comes out the Knock Road and meets another one, there's 'mayhem', blocking the town for 10 to 15 minutes and sometimes up to half an hour.

Something has to be done about the situation, he said, and the vast majority of businesses, schools and people in the town are in favour of it.

His views were supported by Councillor John Caulfield who was glad to see the engineers are pursuing the matter.

He also raised the need for a parking area across from the primary school, saying residents in the housing estate there are 'literally imprisoned' at school drop-off and collection times.

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