Cyclists' near misses at end of greenway

THERE has been a series of near misses in Achill in recent days as frustrated and impatient motorists undertake risky manouevres to pass slow-moving traffic where cyclists come off the greenway.

Achill Tourism has called on Mayo County Council to take immediate and decisive action on the extension of the Great Western Greenway to resolve the issue.

This summer has seen a huge increase in traffic in the area, especially large and sometimes slow-moving camper vans. Increased tourist numbers has also led to an increase in cyclists using the roads in Achill when they come off the greenway.

Achill Tourism have also called on the council to find a solution to the lack of public toilets at the end of the greenway.

The letter highlights how since the opening of the greenway, there has been an issue with traffic and walkers and cyclists sharing the same road space on the approach road to Achill Sound through Polranny. In the past couple of years this problem has only got worse as summer traffic has increased considerably in recent times.

The letter from Achill Tourism manager Sean Molloy stated: “Fortunately, the road along this stretch is reasonably wide and although not ideal, it is not as dangerous as the situation that has now developed west of Achill Sound at Glendarary Wood (locally known as The Allary).

“The increase in cycling through the island, coupled with the explosion of camper vans and other traffic this summer, has led to a lot of frustration and impatience among motorists. We must remember too that the drivers of the camper vans are in most cases inexperienced at driving such large vehicles.

“Several incidents that almost resulted in accidents have been reported to our office and I myself witnessed a very near miss in recent days.

“Achill Tourism are calling on Mayo County Council to prioritise the extension of the greenway to Cashel and to complete the greenway through Polranny. The proposed route is available and it would take all pedestrians and cyclists off this dangerous stretch of road.

“It is amazing that a serious accident has not already occurred and I believe that it is only a matter of time before we have such a tragedy in Achill.”

Mr. Molloy said the lack of public toilets at Achill Sound is now at crisis stage. He explained one incident where earlier this week, 'a member of the public, frustrated at the lack of facilities in the Achill Sound area, urinated outside the office in broad daylight and in full view of the public'.

He said: “Seventeen per cent of the visitors to our office are looking for public toilets. As I have discussed previously, an internationally recognised top attraction such as the Great Western Greenway is severely undermined without being able to offer basic facilities and being able to offer these in complete safety.

“Again, I ask Mayo County Council to take decisive and immediate action to rectify these serious issues.”