Safety work along Newport street to begin in September

WORKS to improve the safety of pedestrians walking along George's Street in Newport is expected to be completed at the end of September.

A presentation on the update of the road safety scheme for George's Street was made by John Kearns of the Mayo Roads Design Office to members of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District at their monthly meeting on Monday.

The narrow street which links the centre of Newport and the Mulranny road is considered a hazard by many residents due to its narrow footpaths and the lack of safe crossing points and the fast moving traffic.

The councillors heard that a new 200 metre long footpath will be developed along the left hand side of the street as you travel down the hill towards Achill along with a pedestrian crossing the N59 at the junction with Glenhest Road.

Mr Kearns said that the feasibility report is 90 percent complete and Transport Infrastructure Ireland are supportive of the project. He expects that approval will be a formality and 'all going well' he hopes for a contract to be awarded in September with four weeks of work to complete the project.

“It will give 100 percent connection from the town centre across the top of Quay road, past the bicycle shop and up towards Kelly's to the location of the pedestrian crossing,” he said.

The report was welcomed by Cllr Brendan Mulroy who said it was very good news for the people of Newport who campaigned for a number of years for safety works to take place to make it safer to walk along and cross the street. He also thanked the council for the speed in advancing the project.

“The people of Newport will be delighted to hear the news and that is awfully important to them,” he said.

Cllr Peter Flynn said this was the first time they have a clear plan and date around George's Street and it has to be welcomed. He asked that work is completed as soon as possible to avoid any disturbance with the national school.

Mr Kearns explained that while the width of the footpath at 1.2 metres will be narrower than the normal standard 2m wide footpath, it will be wide enough to cater for a buggy. The councillors were told that no building was acquired to carry out the works and the retaining wall at Corcorcan's shop will be removed as part of the work.

He also confirmed that the narrow footpath on the opposite side of the street will remain in place following the works.