Call for traffic safety measures outside Mayo border school

South Mayo councillors who have called for the installation of a roadside digital speedometer near a school in Glencorrib have criticised the delay in installing them around the region.

A number of councillors in the Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District called on Mayo County Council to assist in securing funding for the provision of digital speedometers at Glencorrib National School to improve ongoing safety issues.

The meeting heard that an accident involving a pedestrian recently took place outside the school and the local community were calling for safety measures to be put in place.

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Cathaoirleach of the Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District, Cllr Damien Ryan said one measure was the installation of the speedometer but it will cost an estimated €30,000. He said the three local councillors were happy to contribute to the costs but asked the local authority to source the majority of the funding.

While supporting the motion, Claremorris-based Independent councillor Richard Finn said he wished them well as he was still waiting for a speedometer to be installed at Lehinch outside Hollymount despite allocating money for it.

“I made three or four representations in the past year in relation to €6,500 I allocated for a digital speedometer above in Lehinch and have had no response to my last two representations. It cannot be fair that after over a year, money I had allocated has not been spent.

“I thought this digital speedometer would be up within six months and this is going on and on and I am not letting it go any further. You get every excuse as to why it is not installed.

“There should be a bit more urgency with things like this especially when the money is there. You are talking about looking for money but by the time you look for it and get it you could be coming near the next council elections,” he told his colleagues.

Cllr Ryan accepted that this delay was not acceptable and reiterated his call for funding and highlighted that over 14,000 vehicles a day use the road through Glencorrib.

“Is there anything we can do to improve safety immediately? I am prepared to play my part as are others to make a contribution if it has to be done but there is no way we are in a position to come up with what's being asked. Is there anything we can do through road safety to improve things here,” he said.

Ballinrobe-based councillor Michael Burke added that the road through Glencorrib is very busy and he has observed traffic travelling at speed through the village.

“It is dangerous and if there is anything possible that can be done I will support you in any way possible to get it over the line,” he said.

Cllr Patsy O'Brien also supported the call for a speedometer at Glencorrib along with one at Lehinch although he added that this road should be realigned.

Director of Services, Tom Gilligan said he was aware of the amount of pedestrian activity in Glencorrib and they will look at ways of applying for funding.