Resident appeals for safety measures in Mayo town housing estate due to dangerous driving
Picture from: Google Maps
COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLYHAUNIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (JUNE 16 EDITION)
A resident of The Maples, Ballyhaunis’ largest housing estate, wants measures to be taken to calm what she describes as dangerous driving in the complex.
“I would like to see more traffic safety signs throughout the estate, especially signs warning drivers that there is a crèche and school nearby and that children are frequently walking, cycling, and playing in the area,” said Elida Ferreira, who lives in The Maples with her family. “It would also be very helpful to consider installing speed bumps or other traffic-calming measures to encourage drivers to slow down,” she added.
“I have witnessed dangerous driving on several occasions. I have seen vehicles driving faster than is safe for a residential estate, and I have also seen drivers taking the roundabout at the entrance of the estate in the wrong direction. These behaviours are particularly concerning because many children and families use the roads and footpaths every day.”
Elida also has safety concerns over the closure of a cricket practice facility adjacent to the playground and games court in the estate.
“Regarding the play areas, there are two separate sports areas located side by side and divided by a fence. One area, which includes the basketball court and football facilities, is open and accessible to everyone. The adjacent cricket practice area is kept locked.
“The issue is not necessarily a lack of space. My concern is the safety issue created by the locked area. Balls regularly go over the fence into the cricket area, and because children cannot access it through the gate, they are often forced to climb the fence to retrieve their belongings.
“My son plays in the sports area every day, and almost every day he comes home asking for help to retrieve his ball from the locked cricket area after it has gone over the fence. This is a very common situation for children using the facilities.
“This raises an important question: if a child were to climb the fence to retrieve a ball and get injured, who would be responsible? The situation exists because children have no safe way to access the area and recover their belongings when they accidentally go over the fence.”
Elida said that she understands and respects the cricket club’s need to maintain a safe practice area.
“However, I believe there should be a solution that protects the club’s activities while also preventing children from being placed in a situation where they feel the need to climb fences to retrieve their balls.
“I have not spoken directly with the cricket club, but I would welcome a discussion about possible solutions that balance the needs of the club with the safety and enjoyment of local children and residents.”
Three other parents living in The Maples contacted by this newspaper concurred with Elida, who stressed her intention is not to criticise anyone, “but simply to highlight issues that affect local families and children,” particularly during the summer months.
“I believe that by working together, we can help ensure that everyone can enjoy these facilities safely and without unnecessary worries, especially now in the summer.”
The parks superintendent from Mayo County Council, who oversees the playgrounds, was not available for comment. However, a spokesperson for Mayo County Council told this column: “In relation to road safety in the estate, the area has been designated as a special 30km/hour residential area by the council with signage in place setting this out.
“The best source of funding for further signage or speed bumps would be through local elected representatives who may have limited funding available for works of this nature. Funding is restricted but the constituent may wish to contact a local representative on this issue.”
