Start date for footpath works in Ballinrobe

Ballinrobe councillor Damien Ryan has welcomed confirmation from the National Roads District Office that work will begin in January on the construction of new footpaths on both sides of the Kilmaine Road across the existing N84 fire station bridge in Ballinrobe.

Cllr Ryan had requested an update on the matter at the October meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District.

“This issue has been raised by all local councillors and we have advocated strongly for it and to see that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is prepared to fund the rest means we will see some activity at long last. It has been a slow burn but this at last paves the way for the works."

Cllr Michael Burke also welcomed the January start date but reminded council management that several other start dates had been promised in the past, as he implored: “Please don’t allow any slippage as this bridge is an accident waiting to happen and there have been so many close runs with people, and cars have to be so careful as there are no facilities for pedestrians to pass by.” 

Cllr Patsy O’Brien recalled submitting a motion on the same issue five years ago. 

"It is a huge issue in Ballinrobe and there isn’t a night it isn’t mentioned on social media and councillors are getting a right cracking over it, and rightly so, as the timeline is shifting all the time and making fools of local representatives. It is a disgrace and TII should have done it before now; when commitments are given you expect it to be done.” 

Head of the municipal district Padraig Flanagan said delays over the years were beyond the council’s control and promised to keep the pressure on the TII to ensure the works commence as promised in January.

It was also confirmed that works will commence in Kilmaine on access and egress to the Community Centre grounds with councillors welcoming this news.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.