Bandhall area to have street lights restored

After three years of darkness, light is on the way for the Mullingar Town Band premises, Cllr Ken Glynn was assured at the November meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad.

Cllr Glynn had a motion on the agenda calling on the district to “immediately bring forward a resolution” to provide public lighting outside the Bandhall, as the lights have been out of action for almost three years.

The response from the district stated that in their 2022 estimates, the members allocated funding for footpath works at that location.

“These works have now been carried out and in addition new public lighting infrastructure has been installed,” the response stated, adding that the county council’s transportation section is currently arranging the commissioning of the new lights.

Welcoming the news, Cllr Glynn asked for an indication on the timeframe, to which director of services David Jones said the lights should be switched on “in the next two to three weeks”.

Cllr Glynn stated that it is “pitch-black” at that location, which is a concern as it is to host the Mullingar Christmas markets.

“I think it’s hugely important that if there is going to be a delay of any sort, that we will then look at some form of temporary lighting,” he said.

Mr Jones agreed: “In the context of the Christmas markets being in that area, it’s essential that adequate lighting is there,” he said, adding that if the permanent lighting is not in place in time, the district would look at alternatives.