Ballynacargy traffic lights hit with repeated vandalism

A set of temporary traffic lights in Ballynacargy is being repeatedly vandalised at a cost of thousands of euro to the county council.

The lights are located at each end of Ballycorkey Bridge, at the northern side of the village, to manage traffic flow as the bridge is awaiting much-needed repair work.

These lights have been targeted at night in recent weeks, by unknown parties.

On one occasion the wires were clipped and on another, the lights were thrown into the River Inny.

Local councillor, Johnnie Penrose, said it has become a financial burden on the council.

“There is a good few pounds’ worth of damage done to them now,” he told the Westmeath Examiner.

“It costs money to put them there, it costs money to keep them there, and to see them vandalised is not good.

“I think that something more permanent should be put up – something that can’t be disturbed.”

Cllr Penrose said he has to check the lights “every morning now”.

“When I see them damaged, I have to ring it in and they need to send two men down to put them back in place – or else they need to be completely replaced,” he said.

“It’s a very busy road, it’s the main thoroughfare into the town that comes from Rathowen, Edgeworthstown and places like that.”

Cllr Penrose said they have been waiting on funding for the bridge for more than a year now, and it has just recently been secured.

“The money is through for it now, and the repairs are about to go out to tender,” he said.

“The bridge is in disrepair and it is dangerous the way it is now.

“Traffic lights will continue to be in operation until the bridge is repaired in case anything happens.”

Cllr Penrose was to raise the issue of vandalism at Ballycorkey at the Athlone Moate municipal meeting on Monday, March 4.