Study for new crossing in east Mayo village submitted for approval

AN options and feasibility study for a pedestrian crossing in Tooreen has been submitted to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and is awaiting approval.

If it is accepted it will be a starting point for hopefully getting funding for the project next year, councillors at a Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District meeting were told.

The positive news was delivered to members after concern about the safety of pedestrians crossing the road in the village was again highlighted.

The bank holiday opening of the new Ruaille Buaille playground across from the local national school drew focus to the safety issue again.

Councillor Neil Cruise said they had to redouble their efforts to get the crossing installed and to develop more parking at the school.

There is an issue with traffic speeding in the village and the crossing, to make it safer, would be a huge addition.

Councillor John Caulfield said they had pushed hard in the past and got the speed limits reduced.

He agreed that if they could acquire extra parking space at the school it would be a major plus.

Councillor Gerry Murray asked if in the short-term there was any traffic calming measure that could be put in place to make it safer.

He hoped that common sense would prevail on this issue.

Senior engineer Conrad Harley delivered the good news that the study is with TII, who he had spoken to coming into the meeting. They were now awaiting approval.

He explained how a study has also been submitted to TII for approval in relation to the Kiltimagh junction on the N5 at Swinford.

Councillor Caulfield asked that junctions on the N17 where the new road is not now proceeding - the Kiltimagh and Aghamore turns - also be addressed.