North Mayo councillor ‘prepared to protest’ over unsafe pedestrian crossing

A north Mayo councillor has stated he is prepared to protest if safety upgrade plans are not published for a pedestrian crossing in Foxford.

The issue was raised again by Foxford-based councillor Neil Cruise at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council on Monday.

Speaking to The Mayo News, Cllr Cruise said the matter has been an issue since the crossing was first installed in June, 2014.

“It has caused problems ever since,” he said. “If you’re coming from Ballina, the pedestrian crossing is unsighted.

“People coming down the town have far too many options of where to go. They can turn right, left or go straight on, so often you see three cars stacked. It’s actually a mess,” he explained.

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He further expressed that for a number of years Mayo County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) were denying that there was anything wrong with the pedestrian crossing.

Cllr Cruise says it wasn’t until a petition with over 2,000 signatures was submitted to TII that ‘they sat up and realised that people were not happy with it’.

The proposed plans, which are yet to be submitted, are part of a section 38 procedure whereby public consultation is invited.

“Publish the plans and let the people see what’s planned. Let them have their feedback and we’ll move on from there.”

Since its instalment, Cllr Cruise has said that every second person he meets is detailing “a near miss on the pedestrian crossing.”

Speaking ahead of St Patrick’s Day weekend, the Fine Gael councillor said the parade’s committee members will have their ‘hearts in their mouths’ until the parade is finished.

“We need greater visibility and there has to be greater safety in that area of the town. I want it to be made safer for pedestrians and motorists alike,” he concluded.