More than 150 local residence of Bohola gathered at the Community Centre in Bohola village to protest at the lack of progress in securing traffic calming measures through the village and the erection of 60km speed limits. The protest was organised to highlight to Mayo County Council, the National Roads Authority, and Government that all the residents of the village are fully behind the Bohola Traffic Calming Action Committee in their attempts to achieve a proper traffic management solution for the village.
Local TDs Michelle Mulherin, Dara Calleary, and John O'Mahony all attended the event and each of the deputies fully supports the residents and has committed to using his/her influence in securing a solution as soon as possible. Deputy Calleary stated that he did not see why reduced speed limits and traffic calming measures could not be in place within five months and that any further delays were completely unacceptable. Deputy Muherin stated that she was in contact with the NRA and Mayo County Council and had received positive feedback in relation to resolving the issue, Deputy O' Mahony stated that he was fully supportive of the community and would work to help to rectify the situation.
Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District Council, Blackie Gavin, spoke of his commitment and that of other councilors to securing a 60km speed limit through Bohola village with traffic calming infrastructure to follow. Motions had been passed by the council to reduce the speed limit since January 2015, and councillor Gavin reiterated that he would continue to fight for the residents of Bohola. Councillor Neil Cruise stated that he was fully supportive of the residence and that he would be putting a motion forward to Ballina Municipal District Council to support traffic calming measures for the village.
Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, a long time supporter of the Bohola Traffic Calming Action Committee and their attempts to resolve the traffic problems in the village, spoke of the dangers of the road and the complete disregard by the National Roads Authority of local communities such as Bohola. He stated that reduced speed limits could be erected immediately and that additional traffic calming measures could be installed at a later date. He said the procrastination of the National Roads Authority was completely unacceptable and could result in road traffic accidents leading to serious injuries or even fatalities. Councilor Kilcoyne stated that he would be fully supportive of the residents of Bohola in blocking the N5 as a future protest if there were no positive moves following a meeting with the NRA scheduled for next month.
Dep Mulherin said this week that, "I have been pursuing diligently the issue of the need for traffic calming measures including a speed limit reduction with both the National Roads Authority and with Mayo County Council since some locals and the Action Group contacted me a few weeks ago. I have also spoken with Gary Lynch from the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII ) and Paddy Mahon Director of Services, Mayo County Council as recently as Friday last. I am informed that Paddy Mahon met with representatives of the TII last Thursday and top of the agenda was the issue of traffic calming for Bohola. I understand from Mr Mahon that a proposal is being put together by Mayo County Council for consideration by the TII and that this will be submitted some time in September for TII approval.I understand this is an issue which has been ongoing for some time and the local people are frustrated in that regard. I am hopeful that this new development represents positive forward momentum towards a resolution. Bohola has a great community spirit and the local people are just looking for some assistance towards improving road safety in the interest of all. They have my support in this regard and I will continue to fight the matter on their behalf."
