Traffic study sought for Ballina bypass

Councillors in Ballina have called for a detailed traffic study to be carried out before the end of the year to provide up-to-date evidence of congestion and delays in Ballina and to strengthen the case for an eastern bypass and a new bridge crossing over the River Moy.

Concerns were raised that traffic congestion is discouraging people from visiting Ballina or travelling between both sides of the town, with councillors warning the situation is also affecting local trade.

A motion tabled by Cllr Marie-Thérèse Duffy called for a funding request to be submitted to carry out the study as soon as possible, saying the eastern bypass, including a new bridge over the River Moy, is badly needed to address traffic in Ballina. She said that with the western bypass now progressing through the planning stages, it is the right time to get plans for the eastern bypass off the ground and stressed that the traffic study should be completed before the end of the year.

“For us to strengthen the case that the bypass and the new bridge will help to ease traffic congestion, a detailed traffic study showing driver time, volume of traffic and journey times from Hollister to Ardnaree, The Quay, Sligo Road or the town centre, with data from this year, presenting that information to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) would be helpful in making a case for the Eastern Bypass,” she explained. 

Cllr Duffy said time is of the essence in progressing the bypass, as the feasibility study will take a long time and will require detailed environmental studies due to potential impact on the River Moy.

Cllr John O’Hara seconded the motion, agreeing that work to progress the eastern bypass needs to “get going” and be put on TII's agenda. He said traffic congestion is deterring people from coming into Ballina. 

“You come into Ballina, you won’t cross the bridge. It could take three hours, to be honest with you, to do your business in town and come back. You’re talking hours and your day is gone. It needs to be put in place now because it's going to take time, it is our duty as councillors to get it there for Ballina," he said. 

Cathaoirleach Cllr Annie May Reape supported the motion and said the eastern bypass will be “very worthwhile” for Ballina.

Senior executive engineer Theresa Durkin said the funding request would be progressed.

Head of the Municipal District Anna Connor said Mayo Co Council is working to progress the bypass case and that the roads office would submit a request for funding for the traffic study. 

“There is no timeline on it, but we are working on it,” she added.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.