Calls for increased use of hi-vis vests on dark roads
Councillors in Mayo have called for the provision of additional hi-vis vests for residents of International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) residents who have to walk due to a lack of alternative transport.
Cllr John O’Malley told last week's Community, Integration and Recreation Strategic Policy Committee that Mayo Co Council could support IPAS residents and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) by providing them with hi-vis vests to ensure they are safe walking on unlit roads.
“You can see them walking on the roads into Westport but it is dark enough and they have no hi-vis on,” he said. “Lots walk because they have no other transport. I stopped to speak to one fella and he said, ‘sure I have a lamp’ but I said, ‘that’s more like a cigarette all the light it’s giving off'."
His comments were supported by Cllr Ger Deere.
“The roads out at Pontoon are lethal. They are narrow and while there is a bus, it doesn’t come often enough so they really have no other transport than to walk,” he said. "Using hi-vis vests is something that needs to be instilled in them, it is so important."
The council's Head of Integration Anna Connor said the local authority would look at “arming” accommodation centres with hi-vis vests in the near future.
