Ballyvary – Foxford speed limit won’t be going back up

THE reduced speed limit on the N58 between Ballyvary and Foxford is leaving motorists frustrated, with claims that it is now taking an extra half an hour to travel between Castlebar and Ballina.

Ballina Chamber of Commerce has written to councillors to voice the concerns of business people affected.

At a roads committee meeting, Councillor Seamus Weir asked if the speed limit – which was reduced from 100kph to 80kph – could be looked at again.

The road had been upgraded to a high standard and you would think the limit would go up, not down, he said.

“We are not encouraging speeding,” he added. “It is about proper speeds.

“This is the main link road between Castlebar and Ballina and business-wise, it is having an affect. Businesspeople are saying there is mass delay.”

Head of roads Mr. Paul Dolan said a process was gone through and the recommendation given road width, bends, etc., was to apply an 80kph limit. The public were invited to make submissions and none were received.

The proposal then proceeded to the council and the reduced speed limits were approved. “And then we started getting complaints.”

Mr. Dolan said he didn't accept that it now takes an extra half an hour to get from Castlebar to Ballina.

He did accept there was a section of road improved near Foxford, with the speed limit reduced, but you couldn't 'yo-yo' limits from 80 to 100 and back down to 80 along a road.

There was no proposal to revisit the issue.

Asked by Councillor Annie May Reape when could it come up for review again, he said it was a five-year review. The limits were approved in 2017, so that would be 2022.