Update on delayed plans to transform ‘derelict wasteland’ site in County Mayo
Progress is being made to enhance the embankment along the Foxford Road by Ballina Train Station, as councillors have pushed for the works to be completed before Ireland takes over the EU Presidency.
Councillors first raised their concerns in relation to the embankment at a municipal district meeting last November, describing it as an “eyesore” and a “wasteland” in desperate need of a clean-up.
In February, it was reported that the project's original start date had been set for March, but this was delayed after the council applied for additional funding to improve the site's overall appearance.
Cllr John O’Hara requested an update on the project at the April meeting of the Ballina Municipal District.
He had previously described the area as “derelict” and said that it creates a poor first impression of Ballina for drivers entering the town from the Foxford direction.
Head of the Ballina Municipal District, Anna Connors, informed members that tenders for the works are currently out, with a view to work beginning in May.
Architect Emmett O’Donnell said he is in discussions with railway engineers, who are reviewing details and conditions along the bank.
The land in question is owned by Córas Iompair Éireann (CIE), but has been licensed to Mayo County Council to allow the local authority to carry out the necessary enhancement works.
Mr O’Donnell confirmed that the council is aiming to have work started by May 1 at the latest, if not sooner.
Cllr Michael Loftus asked about the expected timeframe for the project and said he was conscious that Ireland is due to take up the EU Presidency from July 1 for the remainder of the year, and that he would like the project completed before then.
Mr O’Donnell confirmed that all works carried out will be “deemed presentable” by that date.
“There will be a second round of funding to come in as the summer goes on,” he said. “We will be relying on that funding to complete the landscaping element of the site.”
He added that the entire area will be cleaned, raked, freshened up, topped up with soil, with drains cleared and some planting carried out, resulting in a “clean, fresh-looking site” by the time Ireland takes on the Presidency.
Ms Connors also said the council aims to minimise traffic disruption during the upgrade works, but that some measures will need to be put in place.
Mr O’Donnell explained that this is intended to reduce real-time disruption for road users and to ensure that as much funding as possible is directed to on-site works rather than traffic management measures.
“There will be some traffic management required, but we are looking to minimise it as much as possible,” he said.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.