By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District monthly meeting
Ballaghkeene, or The Ballagh as it is commonly known, is to benefit from a €200,000 investment under the Active Travel Routes to School scheme following approval at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.
As part of the works Wexford County Council proposes to undertake “construction of new footpaths and pedestrian crossings on the R744 in Ballaghkeene village” with “pedestrian crossings, traffic calming to reduce speed through the village, public lighting, place making, including landscaping and street furniture, in front of Ballaghakeene National School and extending to the village centre”.
Cllr Oliver Walsh said the scheme had been met with some reservations by those in the haulage business with one local trader particularly concerned about the proposed narrowing on the regional R774 which passes through the village.
Cllr Walsh believes that the works would improve traffic management in the area and make life safer for all road users.
There was support from Cllr Mary Farrell who said the safe routes to school project is now ready to commence and will benefit Ballaghkeene for years to come.
Cllr Joe Sullivan was also supportive. “Children are the greatest asset of the state and getting them to and from school safely is a priority,” he added.
There had been 24 submissions made to the council regarding the impact of the works and concerns raised by residents and the hauliers.
Cllr Pip Breen said those who had objected to the scheme were “on board now” and recommended that the project be approved.
The Council fully backed the proposal and both Cllr Breen and Cllr Donal Kenny acknowledged the support of Active Travel.
WexfordLocal.com 