Camper van access at Ladestown could be restricted

Camper van access to the Lough Ennell lake shore at Ladestown, Mullingar, may have to be restricted in the summer to combat environmental damage and upset to local residents, according to David Jones, director of services with Westmeath County Council. He said an internal review is to be carried out.

Mr Jones was addressing the December meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, where the issue was raised by Cllr Aoife Davitt.

Cllr Davitt pointed out that it is not just campers that are the problem at Ladestown. It is the 40 or so young people in cars who descend on the area on Saturday nights, stay late and do "doughnuts" on the roads. She urged that the council use local knowledge in their review and also that they incorporate the biodiversity and heritage sectors.

Mr Jones indicated that when the work is done the council can engage as a sub-group with interested parties.