Council ignoring Ballinalack pedestrian crossing – Penrose

Pedestrians in the village of Ballinalack are putting their lives in danger every time they try to cross the road at a pedestrian crossing which is being largely ignored by motorists, according to one local councillor.

Speaking on a motion he submitted to the July meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District last week, Cllr Johnnie Penrose sought the installation of a push button system at the crossing so that pedestrians can cross the road in safety.

He pointed out that the crossing is located on “one of the busiest roads in Ireland” the main Dublin to Sligo N4 and said that traffic does not slow down when approaching the area.

“The simple fact is that traffic is not slowing down at this pedestrian crossing and there is a housing estate right across the road from the shops so it’s a busy little spot and we are looking at the safety of children here, and there are also two people in wheelchairs trying to cross the road on a regular basis, and they are taking their life in their hands every time they try to get across the road,” claimed Cllr Penrose.

Cllr Penrose has called on the Municipal District to write to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) seeking funding for the installation of a push button system at the crossing, and he received support for his motion from Cllrs Tom Farrell and John Dolan.

The council response stated that, while a letter could issue from members, it is “not envisaged that consent wil be received from TII” given the fact that they had already been involved in upgrade works to improve the visibility of the existing zebra crossing in Ballinlack in 2018, following previous upgrade requests.

“We shouldn’t have to wait for someone to be killed at this crossing before we do something,” said Cllr John Dolan, who wanted to know why the village of Glasson has a set of traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing yet one of the busiest roads in the country couldn’t get funding for a push button system.

“I drove through Ballinalack myself recently and no way would anyone be able to cross the road at that pedestrian crossing,” said Cllr Liam McDaniel.

Acting Director of Services, Cathaldus Hartin, said he could not answer Cllr Dolan’s query about Glasson, but he said the improvements sought by Cllr Penrose would have to be approved by TII before they could proceed.