Safety concerns over new cycleway beside busy Mayo road

There are safety concerns over a €4.5m Active Travel Scheme in Castlebar. 

The 4.2km cycle way and path runs along the N60 and links Breaffy and Castlebar. The project aimed to provide segregated footpaths, cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings and upgraded junctions along one of the busiest routes in the county.

Chief executive of Mayo County Council Kevin Kelly said the scheme would be “a game changer” for the area and the wider community. However, Cllr Al McDonnell told a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District that he has concerns about a 200m stretch of the route. He said at the location where the speed limit increases there is no kerbing which means motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are at the same level.

“It’s highly dangerous,” said Cllr McDonnell, adding that he met with senior engineers from the council and was deeply disappointed with the reaction he received. He called on senior management to reinforce the concerns he and the local community have.

“It’s a serious danger,” he added, noting that cost was one of the reasons given to him why changes could not be made.

“You can’t put a price on a life,” he stated.

Director of Services David Mellett said the councillor’s concerns would be relayed. He said the project will be subject to a final safety assessment but noted it has already made a difference to driver behaviour.

“Driver behaviour has changed. They are slowing down. Even at this stage you can the massive piece of infrastructure from Active Travel being able to cycle all the way in from Breaffy to Castlebar,” said Mr Mellett.

Cllr Cyril Burke said the scheme should pave the way for Breaffy to be reconsidered for housing developments in the future. He said Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) previously baulked at the idea of housing developments in the area but the new cycleway should result in a re-think.

“It has pulled Breaffy into Castlebar now,” Cllr Burke added.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.