Mayo Active Travel head refuses to give up on Ballina transport plan funding

THE head of Active Travel in Mayo County Council says she has not given up on the Ballina Local Transport Plan despite the plan not receiving funding from the National Transport Authority.

In January, €3 million was allocated for 27 Active Travel projects across Mayo after funding was approved by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and awarded to Mayo County Council.

However, the allocation was criticised in Ballina with a total of €450,000 announced for the Ballina Municipal District and little funding to implement elements of the Ballina Local Transport Plan.

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A presentation on the Active Travel Scheme was given to local councillors at the April meeting of the Ballina Municipal District by Cathy Mellett, the Senior Executive Engineer in charge of Active Travel in Mayo.

Cathaoirleach of the municipal district, Cllr Michael Loftus told Ms Mellett that he was annoyed that a lot of work had gone into the Ballina Local Transport Plan but this was not matched with funding from the NTA.

“It was a fantastic plan that you put in with a lot of work and effort put into it and yet the department did not fund it.

“It was awfully disappointing to hear you weren't successful with that application for Ballina and I think the work you did and presented to us was appreciated and accepted by us as a good plan. For them not to grant it was not good enough,” he said.

The Ballina LTP was described as ambitious with a proposal for a cantilever bridge to cater for pedestrians and cyclists as well as motorists over the Moy.

Independent councillor Marie Therese Duffy also expressed disappointment that the funding to carry out the plan was not made available.

“I was disappointed to see the funding rejected last year. I would love to see that plan pushed forward in the year ahead and fight for funding,” she said.

Ms Mellett said that the LTP had received approval in principle by the NTA and they will continue to push for funding to be allocated.

“We are not giving up at all on the proposal. It is still there and it is still a gateway for funding. All it meant was at that time the NTA couldn't fund it. We have the plan and we have the proposal and they are happy with those so we will keep on seeking funding. It is not going anywhere.

“There was a lot of time and work gone into it and as it still stands we won't give up on it. It is still there and we will keep pushing and working on it,” she said.