Speed cameras planned to reduce accident toll on Mayo bypass

A coroner has welcomed moves by Mayo County Council, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to install average speed cameras along a 6.4 kilometre stretch of the Swinford bypass.

Patrick O’Connor, Coroner for the District of Mayo, says the move is ‘significant’ due to the number of accidents on the stretch over the years.

Mr. O’Connor said at inquests in Swinford Courthouse today that he also hoped for similar interventions on the N17 and on the N26 Swinford to Foxford road at Callow.

Welcoming the N5 initiative, the coroner expressed satisfaction that recommendations he made were now being acted upon.

He read a letter from Mayo County Council to him as coroner which partly reads as follows:

“In 2020 the council, in conjunction with TII, commissioned a Junction Safety Assessment Report, of the Swinford bypass which assessed the safety of the thirteen or so junctions along this particular stretch of road.

“The report made a number of short term, medium term and long term recommendations.

“One of the recommendations proposed was the provision of a right turn facility on the N5/R320 junction. The council prioritised this intervention.

“However, as it required the closure of the Bog Road this proposal was unacceptable to to the elected members and as a result the proposal was abandoned.

“The council is currently proposing an alternative intervention at this junction which is funded by TII but will have progress through the statutory procedures.

“In conjunction with this the council is advancing the installation of average speed cameras over a 6.4 km stretch of this road which will be put in place during 2024.

“Finally, the council plans to procure consultants during 2024 to provide the necessary technical and environmental advice to develop a strategy for safety intervention along the Swinford Bypass.”