Step closer to two-way traffic on lower bridge in north Mayo capital

ROAD users in Ballina are getting closer to two-way traffic on the lower bridge in town again.

A notice of motion tabled by Councillor Annie May Reape (Fianna Fáil) at the September monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District calling on the council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to revert traffic at the bridge to a two-way system was given a favourable response.

In a written reply, senior engineer Orla Bourke said: “Proposal 3 of the Ballina Local Transport Plan (LPT) recommends two-way traffic on the lower bridge. The LPT will be finalised once the Local Area Plan has been adopted. Mayo County Council will seek funding in Quarter 4 of 2024 for proposals resultant from the Ballina LPT under the Active Travel Investment Programme 2025.”

Councillor Reape welcomed the response but expressed disappointment upon learning that implementation might take some time.

Councillor Mark Duffy (Ind) noted that traffic was quickly reversed on the bridge for the visit of US President Joe Biden last year and wondered how changes can take so long.

“How can it take years if everything is pointing in its favour?” he asked.

“I agree,” said Councillor John O'Hara (Fine Gael). “It needs addressing sooner rather than later.”

Ms. Bourke said every single thing in the LPT had to be designed and it all ties in with the Active Travel Programme. “That's the bigger picture,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, Ms. Bourke informed the meeting that the traffic lights at Bunree – the source of much frustration for road users in recent times – are to be upgraded on Tuesday.