Bus shelters ‘less intrusive than feared’

New bus shelters installed in Rochfortbridge have proven “less intrusive” than anticipated, Cllr Emily Wallace admitted at the March meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad.

“They have been really well received,” the Fine Gael woman said.

Between the time of Cllr Wallace lodging a request that the district install bus shelters on the east side of Rochfortbridge and the March meeting taking place, two bus shelters were installed on the west side of the village.

“The Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad are examining further locations for new shelters,” the response from officials to Cllr Wallace stated.

Cllr Wallace said that in light of the appearance of the new shelters, she looked forward to working towards installation on the east side.

Footpaths

At the same meeting, Cllr Wallace asked that the district give an update on the resurfacing of the footpaths opposite Castlepark, Rochfortbridge, and at Castlelost, Rochfortbridge, as per a request she had made last year.

“Footpath works were carried out at Castlelost in January 2024. Further footpath works can be considered in future estimates,” the response stated.

Cllr Wallace replied that there were two stretches of road that were causing her particular concern: one was out the Castlelost Road, and the Tyrrellspass Road, out by Castle Park.

“The surface in Castle Park on the footpath there is crumbling. It is really of poor quality and I’ve been given assurances that it would be resurfaced or looked at,” she told officials.

With regard to Castlelost, there was a portion between the school and the new segment of footpath that was too narrow in places and moss covered.

“It’s just not fit for purpose for the amount of people that are up and down it and I would ask this district to look at those two specific locations,” she stated.

Milltownpass

At the same meeting, Cllr Wallace requested an update on when the ESB will be turning on the lights at the newly installed pedestrian crossing in Milltownpass.

The official written response from district officials explained that the district is currently waiting on the ESB to energise the lighting.

Cllr Wallace pressed for indications on a timeline, pointing out that Gaelic games are under way again.

“We have followed it up again, and I am hoping it will be very soon,” responded district engineer Pat Kavanagh. “It’s as frustrating for us as it is for everybody,” he said.