'Ireland’s most dangerous pedestrian crossing'

A LOCAL election candidate has called for traffic lights to be installed on the dangerous pedestrian crossing in Ballinrobe at the busy junction by Art O’Neill's pub.

Paul Lawless said that from his canvases in Ballinrobe, numerous people have taken issue with the junction, telling him it is dangerous for all road users.

The Aontú candidate who described it as the most dangerous pedestrian crossing in Ireland, explained: “I am continually told of how there have been years of promises from elected politicians to address this issue but to no avail.

“A friend of my own has been hit not once, but twice, on the zebra crossing. It is dangerously positioned at a busy junction right on a turn.”

He continued: “I believe there are a number of ways we could deal with this problem. If I get elected I plan to call a public meeting in Ballinrobe so the people can have their voices heard too.

“I would suggest erecting traffic lights which would render the junction safer for both pedestrians and drivers alike. Also we could install an extra pedestrian crossing between Tesco and the mart.

“Residents in the housing estate adjacent to this area have told me it is very difficult to cross the road on mart days. Cars and trailers block the layby and with another 16 houses in the process of being built it is an accident waiting to happen.

“Action needs to be taken immediately. I am not proposing we relegate pedestrian traffic to accommodate careless driving. The visibility around the junction is so poor. However, I do think we’re putting pedestrians at risk and nothing is being done. We can't afford to fix a problem after an accident has occurred.

“If elected to Mayo County Council I will work to ensure this happens.”