‘Like taking your life in your hands a lot of the time’ - Longford councillors call for bypass
Funding sought to investigate the possibility of a bypass on the N55 in Ballymahon
Representatives in Ballymahon have proposed a joint motion calling on Longford County Council to seek funding from the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to investigate the possibility of a bypass on the N55 in Ballymahon.
The proposal was made with a view to improving the traffic flow and the overall safety of pedestrians and road users within the town. The issue of safety in particular has come under question in recent times following a number of road traffic incidents.
The motion was submitted by Cllrs Martin Skelly (Ballymahon MD Cathaorileach), Paul Ross, Seán Mimnagh, Pat O’Toole, Mick Cahill, and Mark Casey.
Addressing the meeting, Cllr Mark Casey said crossing the street in Ballymahon was akin to “taking your life in your hands a lot of the time.”
He also pointed out that the evidence was there to show the effectiveness of a bypass and added that one would work for Ballymahon.
Cllr Martin Skelly highlighted the beneficial ripple effect that a bypass would have on those living outside the town.
He explained, “I think we’re all agreed on it, Ballymahon at certain times of the day is an absolute nightmare. Safety was mentioned today in relation to this.”
He added, “Think about the people in the outlying areas and sideroads where cars are coming into Ballymahon and are using roads that are not fit for purpose for heavy traffic and fast moving traffic. So it’s not only the town (that would benefit), the people of rural Ballymahon would as well. It has been proven that business restarts once people can get in and out of the town.”
Senior Executive Engineer for the Ballymahon MD, Brian McNeila, said Longford County Council would “write to the TII in relation to this proposal requesting a scheme to progress an N55 bypass of Ballymahon.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme