Calls for a speed survey to be carried out along dangerous junction near cemetery in Ballina
Serious safety concerns have been raised about conditions along the Killala Road in Ballina, particularly at the junction leading into the historic Leigue Cemetery.
The combination of speeding traffic, poor visibility and a narrow entrance into the graveyard is creating a dangerous environment for both road users and pedestrians.
Concerns were raised about pedestrian safety at the zebra crossing, where cars travelling along the Killala Road are frequently over the speed limit and often fail to stop.
A request has been made to carry out a speed survey in the area.
Cllr Marie Therese Duffy told the November meeting of the Ballina Municipal District that constituents had contacted her about vehicles speeding through the crossing despite there being orange beacons and street lights.
“There are flashing lights and a zebra crossing, but people still speed through it,” Cllr Duffy said. “Is it possible to put a speed-radar sign or some extra signage there?”
She also suggested that speed ramps may be needed along the Killala Road to slow vehicles approaching the cemetery area.
The junction where cars turn into Leigue Cemetery sits only a few metres from the zebra crossing.
The Killala Road is a main route in and out of Ballina, with many road users travelling at speed along it.
Leigue Cemetery also attracts many visitors, with origins dating back to the fifth century, and it is the resting place of republican activists Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg.
“That junction is extremely busy going in toward Leigue Cemetery. The graveyard road entrance and the hill itself are extremely dangerous, and it’s a narrow, bottleneck entrance,” Cllr Duffy said.
After the turning, the road narrows and only a single car is able to go up or down the hill at one time.
This creates a hazard, as cars travelling in and out of the road meet head on, with one driver sometimes forced to reverse back toward the Killala Road, and into potentially fast-moving traffic.
Cllr Duffy requested that a full speed survey be carried out, with a view to implement traffic-calming measures such as speed ramps if needed.
Speed ramps placed either side of the zebra crossing would ensure that cars approach slowly, increasing the likelihood that drivers will actually stop for pedestrians
They would also slow traffic before the cemetery entrance, making it safer for cars to turn, reverse, and meet oncoming vehicles.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.