'Serious issues' with delivery of transport projects in Ballina
Mayo Fine Gael Senator Mark Duffy has accused Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) of failing to deliver small but essential projects in Ballina.
Senator Duffy said in the Seanad last week that during his time as a local councillor, he found that basic interventions that were raised by elected representatives were ignored due to funding. He said TII's focus should be on motorways and not small-town projects.
“We have paid consultants hundreds of thousands of euros for Active Travel and Local Transport Plan measures but have had no delivery. Well-paid and well-educated engineers should be empowered to do this work.
“TII is responsible for building motorways and managing Luas extensions. That is where its competencies should lie rather than being pulled into the weeds on projects that local authorities are capable of delivering if they are empowered and funded to do so.”
Senator Duffy highlighted speed reduction measures at the Quay village in Ballina, which have not been implemented despite having “begged TII” for funding. He also referenced a missing 200-metre footpath extension at Culleens National School, multiple risk junctions at the Seán Duffy Community Centre in Ardnaree, speeding on Emmet Street as well as a fatality on Lord Edward Street where safety measures have yet to be implemented.
“We are waiting for two years since the fatality on Lord Edward Street. How many lives need to be lost? Is one life not enough? Do multiple lives need to be lost before we get action and delivery in our towns and villages and on our streets from TII?
“Small interventions and measures are needed to improve the situation and these need to be devolved to the local authorities.”
Seanad leader Sean Kyne said that under the Roads Act, TII has a say in respect of national routes but added that Senator Duffy should discuss amending the Act with the Minister for Transport to allow for local authorities to be involved in those sections of national routes that are within towns.
