Traffic congestion has 'gone bananas' in Mayo town

It has been taking motorists 28 minutes to get through Ballinrobe at peak times, according to local Cllr Michael Burke.

Cllr Burke told last week’s meeting of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District that traffic congestion in the South Mayo town has "gone bananas" due to delays in installing a new set of traffic lights. The works began two months ago and were supposed to take six weeks but have yet to be completed. He also called for action to be taken on three potholes on the N84 through the town.

“There is a 28-minute delay coming from Mace filling station on the Castlebar Road to Ballinrobe town. It is utter chaos."

Cllr Damien Ryan said local councillors have all been "inundated" with calls about the traffic situation in Ballinrobe.

“Work needs to be expedited as quickly as possible,” he urged.

Cllr Patsy O’Brien said traffic in general has increased across Mayo due to a lack of a sufficient national transport system.

Head of the municipal district Padraig Flanagan said the council will write to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) seeking an urgent update about these works.