Plans for south Mayo scheme revealed
A local councillor has called for greater engagement with elected representatives and other stakeholders on a south Mayo Safe Routes to School scheme (SRTS).
The proposed Active Travel Scheme for Cong National School was presented to councillors in the Claremorris Municipal District at a meeting last week.
The scheme proposed the introduction of a periodic 30km/hr speed limit in the school zone, an increase in footpath width and a narrowing of the road width, junction tightening onto the R345, the introduction of ‘park & stride’ areas about 300m from the school, pencil bollards to prevent parking at the front of the school, raised crossings, warning signs demarcating the periodic speed limit and the school zone, a dedicated bus set down area and disabled parking.
Design Engineer with Tobin Consultants Jessica Lima explained these proposed changes would address road safety challenges in this area such as high traffic speeds, a lack of safe pedestrian infrastructure and dangerous and illegal parking at school drop off times.
Ms Lima said they aim to begin construction late this year with completion and handover by summer 2026. The project is currently at the preliminary design phase.
Cllr Ryan said any investment in the village that does not compromise local residents in any way is welcome but said greater engagement with public representatives was needed and this was the first time he had laid eyes on the plans for the scheme.
“This is the first consultation with me as a public representative on this. Engagement with public representatives needs to be improved as we will be the first people contacted if there are any issues when this goes out for public consultation,” he said.
“I want to see the local Garda included in this consultation as well and a meeting on-site might be the most appropriate now while the school is still on holiday.”
Cllr Ryan added the concept of park & strides was a strong proposal in principle but said it may be difficult to implement, particularly during poor periods of weather.
Design engineer Ramu Gajula said they are working with the school to promote driving behaviour changes among parents.
“The school is behind this and understand they need to encourage people to change their behaviour,” he said.
Director of Roads with Mayo County Council Tom Gilligan said encouraging behaviour change will take a lot of work to be successful but people need to be willing to engage with it to have a successful SRTS scheme.
“I think of my grandmother telling me how she walked to school in bare feet."
"Years ago, people walked everywhere regardless of the weather and there may be to an element of pain for people in this."
