McDaniel wonders about ramp at Ballinagore school

A number of traffic-related queries were raised by Cllr Liam McDaniel with the staff of the Municipal District of Athlone Moate at the September meeting.

He asked when the ramp will be installed on the L1122 approach to Ballinagore NS from the Mullingar side, and was told it is intended to install it in Q4 2024. To his request for an update on works on the old Dublin Road and the Crescent junction in Kilbeggan, the response was that the intention is that will be by mid-October.

A further query he raised was on the status of plans to upgrade the surface of the main street in Tyrrellspass.

“The R446 at the East end of Tyrrellspass is scheduled for resurfacing in Q4 2024. The District Office will investigate the Main Street and the road will be considered for inclusion,” the district’s reply stated.

At the same meeting, Cllr Liam McDaniel called on the district to improve the signs and road markings at the junction of the L1101 (Tyrrellspass to Tullamore) and the L5105 at Cappanrush, Rahugh.

“The District will investigate the concerns at the junction in the coming weeks and consider additional signing and lining measures if appropriate,” the official response to this request stated.

Castlepollard crossing light

Council officials are to examine whether a footpath and traffic light crossing are required near the Cluain Mullan estate in Castlepollard after a plea to have them provided was made by Cllr Alfie Devine at the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District September meeting.

“The Municipal District Mullingar Kinnegad will examine this location. If works are required, it can be considered as part of the 2025 estimates,” the official written response to Cllr Devine’s motion stated.

Expounding on the need for both elements, Cllr Devine said the development, which has just 35 to 40 houses, is home to approximately 30 children.

“And when you come out of the estate and turn right and head for Castlepollard, there’s no footpath whatsoever,” Cllr Devine said, explaining that, as a result, children have to cross what is one of the busiest roads in the area.

He said it also means that parents have to drive children to school in the mornings, even though the school is just around 500 metres away.

Brownstown footpath

A request that a footpath be constructed between Brownstown GAA Club and The Hurler’s Rest, Archerstown was made by Cllr Niall Gaffney at the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad September meeting.

“Anyone that knows Brownstown knows there’s always something on there,” said Cllr Gaffney, stating that the activities range from drama to training, to fitness classes, and charity events.

“I’ve been talking to members both involved in the GAA and many other activities and a footpath on that stretch would be a huge benefit to it,” he said.

The response from the district executive stated that the district would examine the location in question.

“If works are required, it can be considered as part of the 2025 estimates,” the response concluded.

Cllr Alfie Devine supported the motion, stating that the GAA club at Brownstown was not just a hurling club but also a community centre.

Also in support of the motion was Cllr David Jones, who said that when the community centre is busy, the car park at The Hurler’s Rest is often used as an overflow facility.