Action needed on 'most dangerous' bridge in Mayo

Concerns have been raised about speeding and dangerous conditions for pedestrians in Kilmaine.

Cllr Damien Ryan highlighted both issues at a meeting of Claremorris Municipal District.

He aid works on a footbridge at Kilmaine have been delayed as the project is linked to a bundled development that is before An Bord Pleanala.

Cllr Ryan said the works had originally been pencilled in for 2023.

“At this stage it needs to happen. There is a serious pedestrian issue there, it’s on a national road,” he commented.

Cllr Michael Burke said the bridge is the most dangerous in Mayo.

“This is a very, very dangerous bridge. It’s not your average bridge that we have around the county. This is probably the most dangerous one we have in the entire county.” stated Cllr Burke.

He said the project should be prioritised as soon as possible and go to the 'top of the pile' of priorities.

“Some accident is going to happen there. Somebody is going to get killed,” said the Ballinrobe councillor.

Cllr Patsy O’Brien said vital works on bridges across the county are falling through the cracks.

“I think there needs to be a serious look at a lot of bridges,” said Cllr O’Brien.

“It’s an ongoing concern and there are safety issues as well,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cllr Ryan also called for communication with An Garda Siochana in relation to speeding in Kilmaine.

“There have been a number of near fatalities,” he stated.

“The N84 coming in from Ballinrobe and the R332 coming in from Foxhall are proving problematic,” said Cllr Ryan.

He said new speed restrictions are in place in Kilmaine but they are not being enforced.

Cllr Ryan said a digital speedometer on the Ballinrobe road needs to be brought closer to the village in order to curb the issue.

“That seems to be where the real problem is,” he remarked.