IFA slams farmer’s driving ban

IFA slams farmer’s driving ban


Call to Council to provide lay-bys as farmers have ‘enough to worry about’

Áine Ryan

LEGAL history may have been made at Castlebar District Court last week when Judge Mary Devins banned a Newport farmer from driving for one year for failing to pull over for traffic on his return from Balla mart last summer.
The Mayo News understands that there has been at least one previous such conviction in the county, under Section 51a of the Road Traffic Act, but there was only a fine imposed in this case. 
Responding to the judgement, in which the judge labelled the defendant ‘arrogant’ and ‘individualistic’, Chairman of Mayo IFA, Mr Martin Gavin, has called on Mayo County Council to create the proper roadside infrastructure for members who, due to the closure of many marts, have been forced to drive long distances to sell their stock.
A Council spokesman, however, told The Mayo News yesterday (Monday), it does not have the resources to carry out such work, while the Road Safety Authority declined to comment on the matter, stating the issue was outside its remit.
In court last Wednesday, 51-year-old Mr Michael Nevin of Glenhest argued that, on July 19 last, on his return journey from Balla mart, after selling cattle, he had pulled over to allow traffic overtake him at the earliest point possible. However, Garda John Daly insisted that Mr Nevin had passed six possible places before finally pulling in for the pursuing garda car at Kilknock, Breaffy.
The garda said he counted 20 cars that were stuck in the convoy behind the tractor.
Defending solicitor, Mr Aidan Crowley, argued that his client – an experienced Bus Éireann driver – had an impeccable driving record and his livelihood would be compromised by a conviction under the Road Traffic Act. However, Judge Devins convicted, observing that Garda Daly ‘may be making history’. She also remarked that Mr Nevin’s ‘arrogance’ was palpable in the courtroom.
Martin Gavin told The Mayo News that he had ‘total sympathy’ for Mr Nevin, whom he did not know personally. 
“This issue is a major concern for farmers since an awful lot of marts around Mayo are closed down, so the infrastructure is not in place and they are forced to drive to Balla mart. If you are driving along the road and see some place – you are thinking on your feet – and you are also conscious of not slowing down too much. I have total sympathy for this man,” said Mr Gavin.
“The infrastructure is so poor and it is a problem that must be addressed. I’m calling on the County Council to provide lay-bys  – ten or 20 feet is no good for tractors and trailers. Safety must be considered,” he also said, adding that farmers ‘already have enough to worry about’.
However, County Secretary, Mr John Condon, said that while he could not comment on individual court cases, the Council does not have the financial resources for such works.
“In the present economic climate, we don’t have the resources to upgrade the roads to the extent that would be needed to facilitate farmers going to and coming from marts. We are doing our best with the resources we have,” said Mr Condon.

SEE COURT REPORT PAGE 13