Unlike conventional speed cameras that capture a vehicle’s speed at a single point, these average speed cameras calculate a vehicle’s speed over a designated stretch of road. This method involves capturing the speed between two points—ensuring drivers maintain a safe speed throughout their journey rather than just at camera locations.

Anyone caught speeding between the designated points on these roads will face a fine of up to €160 and receive three penalty points on their license. This enforcement is backed by the advanced automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, which meticulously records the time, date, and vehicle details at both entry and exit points of the monitored zone.

The decision to implement these average speed cameras follows the success of similar setups on the M7 motorway and in Dublin’s Port Tunnel, where they have notably helped reduce average speeds and, consequently, road accidents. An Garda Síochána has confirmed that the chosen locations for these cameras are sites with a history of traffic incidents, including serious and fatal collisions, underscoring the need for consistent speed monitoring.

This initiative is part of a larger rollout that includes the introduction of three average speed camera systems and nine static speed cameras across various locations. Further details about the additional camera sites are expected to be announced soon.

The enforcement of these systems will commence at noon this Friday, with Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris scheduled to officially inaugurate the operation. This move is a clear stride towards altering driving behaviors, reducing average speeds, and enhancing the safety of all road users in Ireland.

The woman, a passenger in one of the two vehicles involved in the Co Mayo road traffic collision, sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the accident. Her death marks a heart-wrenching loss for her family and friends.

Two other occupants of the same vehicle, a man and another woman, were also seriously injured in the collision. They were swiftly transported to Mayo University Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment for their injuries. The exact nature of their injuries has not been disclosed, but they are understood to be serious.

In the other vehicle involved, four occupants were taken to Mayo University Hospital as well. Thankfully, their injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening, but they remain under medical supervision.

The N59 road was immediately closed following the accident to allow Garda forensic collision investigators to conduct a thorough technical examination of the scene. Diversions were promptly put in place to manage traffic in the area.

This Co Mayo road traffic collision is a somber reminder of the dangers present on our roads, and the importance of road safety. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of a life and prays for the recovery of those injured.

The Centre for European Volunteering (CEV) in Brussels shortlisted Ballina alongside Maia in Portugal and Rzeszów in Poland. This recognition highlights the town’s robust community volunteering efforts, supported by organizations like Volunteer Ireland and Mayo PPN.

Councillor Michael Loftus expressed pride in the nomination, celebrating the town’s community spirit and the opportunity to showcase its volunteer programs. Declan Turnbull, head of Ballina Municipal District, emphasized the potential benefits for the region, including enhanced local and international volunteer collaboration.

Lesley Moore, manager of Mayo Volunteer Centre, noted the growing interest in volunteering within the community, which this title could further boost. The winner will be announced on November 29 in Trento, Italy, the current titleholder.

This competition, supported by the EU’s Citizens, Equality Rights, and Values fund, aims to inspire municipalities across Europe to promote and celebrate volunteering.