Walkability audits needed in every town and village in Mayo

WALKABILITY audits need to be conducted in towns and villages across Mayo.

The matter was raised at a Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District meeting, where Councillor Alma Gallagher reiterated the urgent need for improved accessibility in Ballyhaunis. In particular, she highlighted the deteriorating footpaths on Clare Street in the town.

Such issues have made it increasingly challenging for staff and service users of Western Care and the older population to navigate to shops and essential services without having to venture onto the N60, posing a significant safety risk.

Councillor Gallagher has representation on Mayo’s Age Friendly Alliance and her statement comes in the wake of the Irish Wheelchair Association's advocacy campaign, 'Access is No Joke', which aims to raise awareness about the everyday challenges faced by individuals with mobility difficulties.

Her passionate advocacy for improved accessibility in Ballyhaunis reflects a growing recognition of the need for systemic change.

She has a personal interest in disability issues as her own father was diagnosed with a neurological condition at the age of 23 years and was a wheelchair user.

Councillor Gallagher proposed that a walkability audit should be carried in every town and village in the county, a motion was seconded by Ballinrobe-based Councillor Michael Burke.

She emphasised the particular hazards associated with the footpaths on Clare Street in Ballyhaunis, where the lack of proper maintenance and illegal parking forces vulnerable populations onto busy roads.

The basic right to safely navigate one's community should not be hindered by poor infrastructure. “No one should have to risk their safety to access essential services,” she said.

Adding to the accessibility concerns is the problem of illegal parking at Ballyhaunis Train Station.

Councillor Gallagher pointed out that the lack of adequate parking has led many passengers to abandon their vehicles altogether, making footpaths inaccessible for residents of Station Rise and Abbey Vale estates as well as Western Care Residential Service.

To address these challenges, she called for the reopening of the Devlis side of the train station to accommodate parking.

Councillor Gallagher praised the completion of a walkability audit last October in Knock, expressing her satisfaction at the initial steps taken towards improving local infrastructure.

That audit threw up issues such as overhanging hedges, sandwhich boards and path surfaces.

“Now we need to see these audits rolled out and implemented,” she stressed. This sentiment aligns with recommendations from HSE West’s consultation submission for the county development plan, which advocates for accessible, safe environments for all citizens, particularly the elderly and people with disabilities.

However, she voiced her frustration, saying: “I am tired of hearing that this is solely the responsibility of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).”

Her appeals for collaboration aim to ensure that all strategic partners, including local councils and transport authorities, come together to effect change. “It's time to stop passing the buck and take action that prioritises our older population and individuals with disabilities.”