Duffy identifies key projects for Ballina

Ballina-based Independent Cllr Mark Duffy has said an increase in sporting and amenity infrastructure will improve the quality of life in Mayo.

He said that this is a general concern across the county but with regards to his own area, there are a number of projects he wishes to see pursued if he is re-elected.

Cllr Duffy said that in the last five years he has supported infrastructure upgrades at several local sports clubs including Ballina Boxing Club, Ballina Tennis Club, Ardnaree and Ballina Stephenites GAA, Ballina RFC and Ballina Town FC and he wants to continue to pursue these projects.

“A skateboard park and a sensory park are both big priorities. We need all-weather full-size pitches for GAA and soccer and to increase the provision for basketball courts.” 

Cllr Duffy said the town needed further cultural and arts institutions.

“We need to find a home for cultural and creative cooperative groups and to create performance, museum, artist and residence spaces. “We need a town hall style space for musical and choral groups.” 

Cllr Duffy said solutions needed to be found for Ballina’s continuing traffic woes.

“Heavily built areas like the Foxford Road and Killala Road can be bypassed quickly. The N26 bypass is moving through the stages now, however, if we continue it on to connect with the Killala Road, it means that all traffic going to Crossmolina, Belmullet, Killala, Ballycastle and towards Coca-Cola would bypass the Foxford and Killala road.

“This would create 50% of our orbital route and would give us great relief in these heavily built-up areas.” 

He said he is hopeful the people of Ballina will give him the opportunity to "keep delivering important projects for the town and surrounding areas".

“I hope that people have the faith and support for what I’m trying to achieve for this area,” he said.