'Speed is the enemy' on the county's roads

There have been four fatal road traffic accidents in Mayo already this year.

A meeting of the Mayo Joint Policing committee heard that two motorists, a pedestrian, and a motorcyclist have lost their lives on the county’s road during the first three months of 2024.

“That’s just under 10 per cent of the overall figure for the country,” Gary Smyth, acting Road Safety Officer with Mayo County Council told the meeting. A total of 47 people have lost their lives on the nation’s roads so far this year.

“Mayo has a long way to go. We are not out of the woods by any means,” said Mr Smyth, adding that Mayo fares badly when it comes to the number of road fatalities per head of population.

“Speed is the biggest enemy of all,” said Cllr Al McDonnell.

He said he is routinely overtaken by speeding vehicles on continuous white lines or approaching dangerous bends.

“It’s driver behaviour,” added Cllr Michael Burke, who pointed to high numbers of motorists texting while driving.

Cllr Michael Kilcoyne said one particular stretch of road in Mayo has become a lethal location for fatal road accidents. While not naming the road, he was alluding to a section of the N5 near Swinford.

“It needs to be investigated,” Cllr Kilcoyne remarked. “The horrific grief it (road deaths) brings to families is just out of this world. Some of them will never recover from the grief,” he added.

Cllr Damien Ryan called for a road safety module to be rolled out for all Transition Year students. Cllr Gerry Coyle said students should be taught how to drive before they leave secondary school.

Chief Supt Ray McMahon said road safety is a "huge priority". He said Gardaí have been liaising with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to try and address some of the issues on roads in the county. He warned that drug driving has become as prevalent as drunk driving and some motorists still do not wear their seatbelts.