Sligo meeting seeks solutions to save car parking spaces in Ballisodare

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

At this week’s bi-monthly meeting of the Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District two motions addressed the issue of the road safety works that are to be carried out in Ballisodare with the concerns of the local community highlighted regarding the loss of five car park spaces along the main road to accommodate the proposed pedestrian crossing.

In his motion Cllr Thomas Healy called on “Sligo County Council to provide car parking spaces for the businesses on the main street in Ballisodare as spaces will be lost with pedestrian crossing.”

Cllr Edel McSharry also tabled a motion in relation to the same issue saying, “This Council welcomes the approval of the new pedestrian crossing on Main Street, Ballisodare, recognising its importance in improving pedestrian safety, particularly for children, older people and those with mobility challenges.

"However, Council also notes the significant concern expressed by local businesses regarding the loss of approximately five on-street car parking spaces arising from the chosen location of the crossing, which are vital to footfall and the visibility of rate-paying businesses.

"While businesses support the crossing in principle, it is essential that its delivery does not adversely impact the local economy, and therefore Council calls on the Executive to outline what measures are in place to mitigate this impact, including the identification and provision of alternative short-stay parking in close proximity to Main Street, and to engage with affected businesses to ensure pedestrian safety and economic sustainability are achieved together.”

Prior to the debate surrounding the motions commenced, Director of Services Jim Molloy stressed, “It is not the role of the local authority to provide car parking spaces for local businesses.”

Addressing the meeting Cllr Healy referred to public consultations held in 2017 and 2018 where a proposal was made for two pedestrian crossings to be introduced, on either side of the village. “That went to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) but they didn’t take it on board. We weren’t going to be losing any car parking spaces but would gain two pedestrian crossings.”

The meeting heard from Mr Molloy that, “There was a drawing done, it was very preliminary.”

Highlighting her concerns, Cllr McSharry insisted, “Something has to be done. There was a public consultation and everyone wants a pedestrian crossing, the problem is losing five car parking spaces. Businesses don’t want to hamper the crossing, they just want the spaces. We have a responsibility for collecting rates and for ensuring businesses can continue to do business. We need to solve the problem of car parking spaces. I would like to see some innovative thinking.”

Raising his objection to the motions Cllr Thomas Walsh argued, “I think people are being disingenuous. We were told in the briefing it (pedestrian crossing) was happening at that location or nowhere else.”

Cllr Walsh continued, “The business council and the residents aren’t telling me what you’re saying. For clarity, name the rate payers.”

In relation to the pedestrian crossing being placed at a different location Cllr Walsh said, “They (TII) did look at it, they did assess it. TII were not in favour of a crossing at the Supervalu roundabout. Installing at that location would increase the risk to pedestrians.”

Taking issue with the remarks made by Cllr Walsh, Cllr Donal Gilroy said, “We were told TII were giving us a take it or leave it; then why bother, what was the point of the public consultation.

"Just because TII suggested it doesn’t mean it’s right. Someone in an office with a nice suit and pointy shoes is making these decisions.”

Cllr Marie Casserly outlined the need for a pedestrian crossing in the centre of Ballisodare and expressed the view these safety works will help Ballisodare maximise its potential.

"Not everybody is going to agree with every decision,” said Cllr Casserly adding, “The N59 is a very busy road, there are vulnerable people using the footpaths. I see children every day trying to cross that road. Children will cross where it is convenient. From a safety perspective there has to be a pedestrian crossing.

"The amount of money coming in to Ballisodare, it will be transformative. It will maximise the potential of Ballisodare. We need to trust the process and I think the businesses will be very happy with the end result.”

Cllr Thomas Healy asked that the Dun Maeve area be considered for parking with Mr Molloy saying he will pass on that request.

Mr Molloy continued, “We are getting funding for a crossing which will take out car parking spaces. We don’t get funding to replace car parking spaces. If we buy land to create additional parking that effectively significantly increases the cost of the pedestrian crossing.”

The debate drew to a close with Cllr Walsh referring to a plan to trial the relocation of one of the bus stops saying, “Everyone is in agreement parking is needed in Ballisodare. There is a proposal to pilot the relocation of one of the bus stops. There is a safety audit in the next few weeks, that will create three spaces on Main Street if it goes ahead.”

Cllr McSharry confirmed she will continue to work with the Council and local businesses to ensure that the final outcome supports both pedestrian safety and the sustainability of Ballisodare’s town centre.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.