Castlebar residents hold second road protest despite taoiseachs commitment
RESIDENTS of Newport Road in Castlebar conducted another protest last Saturday to highlight health and safety issues outside their homes.
Despite Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his brother, Councillor Henry Kenny, giving a commitment that works will start soon as part of a €450,000 upgrading of the road surface leading to Rehins Woods, they have vowed to continue their campaign until construction commences on installing footpaths and other safety measures at the front of their properties.
The protesters were joined by Councillor Michael Kilcoyne and Councillor Blackie Gavin, both of whom are disappointed over the manner in which the residents have been treated.
Stated Councillor Gavin: “I was delighted to join the protest for the first time because I appreciate the fears and difficulties the residents are encountering on a daily basis coming and going from their homes. The fact it has been left like that for so long is unacceptable and the time for delivery on political promises is well past.”
Councillor Gavin and Councillor Kilcoyne highlighted a second letter they received from a person with a vision impairment who has used the new walk from Castlebar to Rehins Woods on a number of occasions.
The letter stated: “I have found it excellent as it’s level and safe to walk on. But there have been bollards or plastic cones erected on the footpath which has made it very difficult for people like me to walk on this stretch for the past few months.
“This is an injustice for people like me by Mayo County Council or whoever placed them there as it’s obvious they have very little respect for people like us.
“The National Council for the Blind says ‘keep the footpaths clear’. These bollards should never be linked by ropes or tapes. This is hazardous for people with impaired vision. This path in not wide enough now with these bollards for a person being guided by a sighted companion or by a dog. There should also be adequate lighting on this stretch which there is not.”
The two councillors said they will also raise these concerns again at the February meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District.
In a statement issued last Wednesday, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “The contract for the footpath and road paving works will be awarded in the coming weeks and will include safety measures to encourage traffic to observe speed limits. This will create a safe environment for both residents and road users. It will also create a better environment for both walkers and cyclists. This is good news for the area, despite attempts by a local politician to cast a shadow on the announcement.”