Bridge over Knockaphunta rail crossing mooted

MAYO County Council has spoken with Irish Rail about building a bridge at the Knockaphunta rail crossing in Castlebar as part of the new N5 road works.

The rail company is due to apply for planning permission for a bridge at the Kilnageer crossing in Breaffy early next year.

Local councillors want to see action taken in respect of safety at both crossings.

Area engineer Ann Sweeney, in an update on Kilnageer, told a local area meeting how council officials have held a third meeting this past week with Irish Rail, who are still on track to apply for planning permission for a bridge in quarter one of 2021.

As things are on the ground today, councillors still have concerns, particularly in respect to an amber light, which is causing confusion.

The static light, suggested Councillor Al McDonnell, should be a flashing light. People, he said, don't know what to to when they come to an amber light, wondering is it going to change to red.

Councillor Cyril Burke agreed, saying people were in 'no man's land', waiting for green or red.

Supporting the Kilnageer residents, Councillor Donna Sheridan said they also needed to address the Knockaphunta crossing on the Westport Road, which is a hazard, and which her colleagues supported too.

Lights are being installed at Knockaphunta too, Councillor Ger Deere said, and they needed to ensure they were flashing amber lights until they come up with a better solution long-term for the two locations.

Ms. Sweeney said the matter of the lights has had to be referred for approval before any changes can take place.

Discussions had taken place, she added, in light of the N5 being realigned and Irish Rail were told it was council policy that a bridge be developed at Knockaphunta too.

That would be followed up on as the road works are completed.