Road safety works sought in vicinity of Ballybay NS

A local councillor has called for road safety works to be prioritised on a stretch of the N61 which incorporates Ballybay's church and national school. Pedestrians attempting to cross at the stretch of road from Hodson Bay Stores to Cornaseer, Kiltoom, are currently "taking their life in their hands" according to Roscommon Mayor Cllr Tony Ward. At Monday's monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Ward put forward a motion calling on the council and the National Roads Authority (NRA) to "extend the existing traffic calming on the N61 from Hodson Bay Stores to Cornaseer, Kiltoom and also to provide footpaths, public lighting and a pedestrian crossing on this stretch of road in the interest of safety." He pointed out that this stretch of road includes two shops and a pub and restaurant, along with Ballybay's church and national school. "There's a lot of traffic and heavy trucks using that road and I would be very concerned about the safety of children attending the school, which has approximately 400 pupils and just had a new extension built and opened last year. There's also a risk to elderly residents who are trying to cross the road to go to the shops. "It's not a question of having to widen the road to make these improvements as there's plenty of room for lighting, footpaths and a pedestrian crossing." Cllr Ward said his motion received unanimous support from the other councillors at Monday's meeting and the local authority is now due to write to the NRA to seek a response on the proposals. Another of Cllr Ward's motions at Monday's meeting asked if there were any plans to extend the public lighting and footpaths between the Mill Bar and the Elan facility on the New Tuam Road. In its response, the council said it proposes to carry out improvement works on the New Tuam Road "on a phased basis" starting this year. It added: "The first phase from the junction of the New and Old Tuam Roads to the roundabout at the junction of the New Tuam Road and the M6 will commence this year. Further phases towards Bealnamulla will be carried out as resources permit. These works will include public lighting and footpaths as required." While he welcomed the news that improvement works at the New Tuam Road will begin this year, Cllr Ward said felt that "a huge amount of work" was needed and that it should all be carried out in one phase.