Danger for walkers and cyclists in Ballinea, says Cllr Smyth

Walkers and cyclists are in danger as they attempt to access the shop in Ballinea, Cllr Hazel Smyth warned at the December meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad.

The Green Party councillor was speaking on her motion calling on the district provide a walking/cycle path under the railway bridge at Ballinea on Dysart Road.

The reply provided by the district executive stated, however, that the road width at this location is too narrow to provide a footpath due to the bridge structure.

Cllr Smyth said the issue had been brought to her attention by residents of that area, who say it is too dangerous to walk to the shop.

She wondered could a one-way system be introduced at the bridge to allow safe passage.

District engineer, Pat Kavanagh, said the only options were a “give and take” system, or the introduction of traffic lights, which would represent “a considerable cost”. He said the council could examine whether the project would qualify for Active Travel Scheme funding.