Safety warning as councillors seek speedometer outside Mayo school

It will cost €30,000 to install digital speedometers on a stretch of road near Glencorrib National School in South Mayo, a meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District has heard.

The matter was raised by Cathaoirleach Cllr Damien Ryan who said there was a three-kilometre stretch of the R334, near the school, that was very dangerous and was the scene of a recent traffic accident. He called on Mayo County Council to seek funding for digital speedometers at the location, noting that 40,000 vehicles use the road each day."

Cllr Ryan was told it would cost €30,000 to install the digital speedometers. 

"Is there anything we can do as an interim measure while we apply for funding? Councillors cannot come up with this amount [from the General Municipal Allocation].” 

Cllr Michael Burke said the road is very busy and motorists tend to drive fast as there is a straight stretch before the bend. 

“It is dangerous. €30,000 seems like an awful lot for those lights. I am happy to make a small financial contribution and while this sign won’t solve the problem, at least it will make people more aware as it is a pretty busy school and it is difficult for parents and children gathering there,” he said.

Cllr Patsy O’Brien said he was also happy to help with any shortfall but was not sure whether digital speedometers would reduce the speed of motorists.

“I see in some places people don’t adhere at all. What needs to happen is the realignment of that corner altogether, which should have been done years ago.” 

Cllr Richard Finn said on numerous occasions he had called for €6,500 for a similar speedometer at Lehinch National School in Hollymount but it had still not happened. 

“I thought it would be up within six months but this is going on and on. You get every excuse why not, so even if ye allocate the money yourselves, you are talking about at least one year down the road.” 

Cllr Finn called on the new area engineer John O’Malley to "make a representation to those in charge to have this installed". 

"It’s a very dangerous bend. People have been killed at that corner. Cars have gone into a man’s garden there and broke down his walls, next thing they go into his house. There should be more urgency in stuff like this especially when the money is there. Going by Lehinch National School, by the time the money is put to use you could be coming up to the next council elections [in 2029].” 

Cllr Ryan said he hoped the matter could be resolved during the school holidays. 

The new engineer and the council's Director of Services Tom Gilligan both promised to look into the matter.