Speed detection van was parked 'on holy ground' in Mayo village

A speed detection van was located on 'holy ground' in a South Mayo village, a councillor has claimed.

Independent Cllr Patsy O’Brien made his comments at a meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District during a discussion on traffic calming measures in Crossboyne. He said a speed detection van had been located in the vicinity of the priest’s house.

The meeting was told that local residents have been left frustrated over "gaps" in a traffic survey carried out last year.

Cllr Alma Gallagher raised a notice of motion calling for Mayo Co Council to disclose the full report of a 2023 traffic survey. She said residents felt there had been "gaps" in the report and a lack of communication regarding the implementation of necessary traffic calming measures.

Senior engineer Conrad Harley said the survey was not in-depth but instead used a traffic counter to gather data of the number of vehicles driving through Crossboyne for a period between September 7 and 18, 2023. Over this period, 12,801 vehicles drove through Crossboyne.

Mr Harley said chevron road markings had been installed at the sharp bend in the village to warn drivers of it and said the bend and a narrow bridge served as "natural" traffic calming measures. He said a speed van has also carried out a number of inspections in the village.