Ballina meeting hears of traffic safety issues

A call has been made for road safety measures to be installed near the access to Lidl at Bury Street in Ballina.

The matter was raised at last week's meeting of Ballina Municipal District where members expressed concern at the number of motorists using the street from different directions. Aldi also has a store on Bury Street.

Cllr Annie May Reape said it was difficult for residents in the area to get in and out as people would not give right of way, adding that a similar situation of multiple access routes along Lord Edward Street was also creating difficulties. She also said speed signage at Church Road - where the 60km zone changed to the 50km zone - was not visible. 

“People are doing 80km on that Church Road. I have asked for this to be looked at before. Even if a speed van could appear there once or twice, I know myself it puts the fear into you.” 

Cllr Joe Faughnan said some sort of traffic calming measures were also necessary in Knockmore village while Cllr Michael Loftus asked council management not to forget the speed signs needed in Crossmolina. Cllr Loftus also asked for double yellow lines along Pawn Office Lane in Ballina, saying some residents could not get out because of cars being parked in front of their doors

Cllr Loftus extended thanks to council management for the pedestrian crossing installed in Crossmolina and for addressing flooding issues in St Mary’s Park in the town and congratulated them on getting the Acting Head of Roads, Conrad Harley, to come from Castlebar to talk to councillors about the R315 from Crossmolina to Lahardane. 

Area Engineer Orla Bourke took note of the various issues, telling members they would be looked into. She said the council's roads design section is already doing an upgrade for Lord Edward Street, which should be ready soon, and added that other problem areas were to be dealt with through the local transport plan, which is still being developed. As to Pawn Office Lane, she said it too probably needs an overall design around shared space and residents so that it can become a self-regulating street, adding that it will be addressed.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.