Sligo County Council to explore temporary relocation of bus stop in Ballisodare

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

News that Sligo County Council are exploring the temporary relocation of a bus stop in Ballisodare has been welcomed by Cllr Thomas Walsh who cited safety concerns as one of the reasons for exploring a new location for the bus stop.

Highlighting the need for the new location Cllr Walsh said, “I welcome the news that Sligo County Council will explore the relocation of one of the existing bus stops from the main street to the Sligo Road in Ballisodare on a pilot basis. Currently both bus stops are located on the main street along the busy N59.

Cllr Walsh added, “This is something I have raised over the last 12 months. I have recently discussed at the Sligo Drumcliffe Municipal meeting and my motion passed. The businesses, road users and bus users have approached me. Indeed, at the many recent consultations in Ballisodare this is something a lot of the community have raised.

“Relocating one of these stops has many advantages; the bus can stop at a safer point and more accessible point, the N59 has its widest point along the Sligo Road so a safer set-down is achievable, the stop will be equally as close in distance to local services. This move has a lot of potential as Sligo County Council are also exploring the provision of additional parking as part of the Rural Regeneration Development Project for Ballisodare.”

Cllr Walsh outlined the possibility of a park and ride service being implemented commenting, “Sligo County Council recently purchased a piece of ground along the Sligo Road in Ballisodare (known as Browne’s field) and there is potential to use some of this ground for parking. I have had many discussions with the engineering team in the Local Authority and the RRDF consultants about creating a park and ride service from this point.

“I can confirm that any bus stop relocation will need approval from National Transport Authority but also it will need to pass an independent road safety audit which will take place over the coming months. This is something I firmly believe is the right thing to do; for bus users, road users, the businesses, the local community and for improved safety.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.