Pedestrian crossing is 'urgently needed' near Mayo school

A pedestrian crossing is "urgently" needed outside a Mayo school, a local councillor has stated.

Cllr Richard Finn was speaking at last week's meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District when he called for the crossing to be installed on the L1511 road outside Ballindine National School. However, Mayo County Council management warned that the project will cost €100,000 and it will be 2027 before a funding option can be explored, which would include an extension to the existing footpath and ramped pedestrian crossing.

Area Engineer John O’Malley also advised that Ballindine NS is currently not on the Safe Routes to Schools list, which would have offered a funding option, nor is the scheme open for new applications. 

“Unfortunately, the [council] area office does not have the funding to complete the above works from its own resources. A more specific roads grant would be required for the completion of these works. The council will explore this case further and an application for a low-cost safety scheme for this location may be an option for 2027.” 

Cllr Finn said he had been contacted by "numerous people" about the issue and he asked the council to liaise with the school and the Parents' Association.

"While we have done previous works there, we still have to ensure a proper crossing is put in for the benefit of children.” 

Cllr Patsy O’Brien agreed a footpath is badly needed at the location, expressing surprise that the school was not included in the Safe Routes to School programme. 

“At the moment the traffic in Ballindine is unbelievable with the amount of vehicles that go on that route daily."

Cllr Deirdre Lawless supported the call for a footpath, adding that pedestrian crossings should be standard at all schools. 

“I find it crazy we have to apply for these things, especially around primary schools. There should be government funding to standardise this. Let’s see how we get on with the low-cost safety grant application. I am also happy to use some of my General Municipal Allocation along with other councillors as necessary because we need to get this done very soon before costs spiral even further.” 

Cllr Alma Gallagher said pedestrian crossings were not always the solution.

"We got a pedestrian crossing in Ballyhaunis but we had a fatality at it. I have tabled a motion many times for it to be redesigned or relocated as I think there is a huge issue there. I have been told it will be looked at but am still waiting a year on; it is a death trap.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.