Street crossing in Ballina is 'very dangerous'
Mayo Co Council has been asked to install a raised pedestrian crossing at a busy junction in Ballina.
The matter was raised at last week's municipal district meeting by Cllr Annie May Reape who said the existing controlled crossing at Healy Terrace is "very dangerous".
In a written reply, Executive Engineer Declan Ginnelly stated: “I will carry out a traffic speed survey at this location. The survey will assess traffic speeds in an easterly direction (Upper Bridge to Bonniconlon) on approach to the crossing. Traffic speeds approaching the crossing from the Bonniconlon direction have been greatly reduced by the newly installed raised crossing at the Sean Duffy Centre.
"The outcome of the traffic speed survey will provide information as to whether any additional works are required.”
Cllr Reape described the location as very dangerous, noting that there is a shop nearby while the road (R294) has a lot of traffic travelling to Bonniconlon and Tubbercurry in one direction and also to Archers, which is accessed from an adjoining road.
"It is one of the busiest junctions and people just drive straight over the crossing. A lot of children and elderly people walking to the shop are there and just last week a young child was almost hit in the centre of the crossing. All I am asking for is a raised crossing, I don’t want a safety study, just action.”
Cllr John O'Hara thanked the council for the safety work at the Sean Duffy Centre, which he said has been a great help for local people, and suggested that if some paint was put on the existing crossing at the shop junction it would help, adding: “I also support the raised crossing ramp but at least paint it straight away. It is gone dull and people forget about it.”
Area Engineer Teresa Durkin said the plan is to carry out a speed survey, adding: “All comments will be taken on board in forming a decision and we will keep you updated and look in the meantime at the short-term solution of painting the crossing, as suggested.”
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
