Progress made on North Mayo train station embankment improvement project
Drainage works nearing completion as planting planned for steep roadside site near Ballina train station
According to local councillor Marie-Thérèse Duffy, improvement works on a steep embankment beside the train station in Ballina are progressing, with drainage works nearing completion and planting expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Providing an update from the site, Cllr Duffy said work is advancing on the approximately 200-metre-long embankment located beside the train station on the approach road into Ballardan, an area she said had long required attention.
The councillor noted that the site has now been cleared and tree stumps that had remained in place for several years have been removed as part of the improvement project.
Cllr Duffy said she first raised the issue through a motion last October, calling for action and a timeline to improve the appearance of the site, and continued to advocate for progress alongside council colleagues at subsequent meetings.
“This site has been cleared and the tree stumps have been removed that were there for several years,” she said.
“Last October, I raised a motion requesting action and a clear timeline for this site to be cleared up and looking a lot more attractive. In subsequent council meetings, I and my council colleagues pushed for this site to be improved and enhanced.”
Drainage works are now close to completion, while landscaping and planting are expected to begin shortly to improve the visual appearance of the embankment.
Cllr Duffy said the site will continue to be maintained in the years ahead by the town gardener and maintenance team, ensuring long-term upkeep of the area.
She also thanked all involved in the project, including contractors and CIE, which she said facilitated access from above the site and helped minimise disruption to traffic during works.
“Planting will begin significantly in the coming weeks, and the site is going to look a lot better in the weeks ahead,” she said.
“I want to thank council management and my colleagues, and we really are looking forward to seeing this project complete.”