Wildlife being prioritised over road safety claims Mayo councillor

Wildlife groups are 'calling the shots' at the expense of road users according to a Mayo councillor after claiming trees at a busy N17 junction were not cut in order to protect birds.

Fianna Fáil councillor John Caulfield made the claim at the monthly meeting of the Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District after highlighting the danger of some junctions along the N17 near Kilkelly.

The Kilkelly-based councillor claimed that tree cutting restrictions at some junctions was putting road users in danger.

“I don't know who is making the decisions about cutting the trees because I know engineers have asked for them to be cut back. There are other organisations prohibiting them from being cut back because there is a wren or something else. I am sorry but road safety is a priority at these junctions.

“These bird watch organisations seem to be calling the shots here while the safety of drivers and road users are not given any concern. There seems to be more concern on saving a magpie. They will move when the trees move,” he said.

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Cllr Caulfield highlighted the increase in traffic using the N17 in recent years and that the junction for Kiltimagh is 'an accident waiting to happen'.

He was supported by his party colleague, Cllr Adrian Forkan who said there had been a number of near misses at the Kiltimagh junction and asked for something to be done about it.

“The junction for the Kiltimagh road at the N17 is absolutely treacherous with several near misses and unfortunately fatalities coming out at that junction over the last number of years. It is fine for the TII [Transport Infrastructure Ireland] to shrug their shoulders but something has to be done with it,” he said.

Aontú councillor Deirdre Lawless also said that any representations made about the junction have been 'batted away'.

Meanwhile, Foxford-based councillor Neil Cruise called for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to address concerns regarding a pedestrian crossing in the town which he described as a big problem.

“There needs to be an injection of urgency. There was an accident which could have been a lot worse at Christmas where a lady was struck at a pedestrian crossing. We can have all the safety reports but when someone is seriously injured and killed, reports will be of no use,” he said.

Director of Services, Tom Gilligan said that he will raise the safety concerns with the TII when he meets them and added that Sligo County Council is the lead authority in the development of the N17 from Cooloney to Knock.