Cllr Duffy welcomes traffic light funding for Ballina

BALLINA-based councillor Mark Duffy has welcomed funding to replace traffic lights in the North Mayo town which are nearly 20 years old. 

Cllr Duffy said that funding has been secured from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to replace the traffic lights at the Font and Sligo Road.

News that the lights were to be replaced came following a meeting between Mayo County Council and TII. Cllr Duffy also spoke to Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan, regarding the issue. 

“The issue has caused much frustration to us all due to constant failures and outdated infrastructure. The new lights will be intelligent systems which respond based on traffic volumes. I will keep pressing to ensure they are replaced as soon as possible,” said the Independent councillor. 

Cllr Duffy, who is running in the upcoming local elections in the Ballina area, said that decisions regarding infrastructure such as traffic lights should come within the remit of local authorities rather than TII. 

 “It’s ridiculous that it’s taking this level of advocacy and campaigning to simply have traffic lights replaced which have caused so many motorists upset and frustration over the past year. It shows why we need the return of town councils, return of local decision making and autonomy where issues like this can be solved immediately without having to wait for decisions to be made in Dublin,” he said. 

"We are at full employment, people have busy lives with young families and should not have to suffer through continuous malfunctioning while commuting to work, school or town.”