Pedestrians are ‘at risk' on Patrick Street

Traffic just isn’t stopping for pedestrians at the crossing on Mullingar’s Patrick Street, Cllr Johnny Penrose says.

At the Mullingar Area meeting of Westmeath County Council, he asked that the council consider replacing the flat crossing outside the filling station with a raised crossing.

He also asked for the support of his fellow councillors to have funding provided in 2014 for a pedestrian crossing and footpath outside St Brigid’s NS in Ballynacargy.

Regarding the Patrick Street issue, the council replied that there was a raised crossing there, but it proved problematic, as a result of which, the flat crossing was installed. “There are no plans or funding to provide a raised crossing again at this location,” the response concluded.

Cllr Penrose said motorists don’t always see the crossing in time. “There have been a few near misses there recently,” he said.

Council official Dave Hogan replied that the speed van is frequently located before the petrol station, and that would help slow traffic. On the question of a crossing at Ballynacargy, the council said the matter could be considered for next year’s estimates.

“I would urge councillors to support me on this,” pleaded Cllr Penrose, adding that there are 93 pupils at the school, and that six months ago, there was a near miss as a child crossed the road.

Cllr Avril Whitney said Deputy Robert Troy had also been working with the board of management to improve safety at the school. “Deputy Penrose is right,” she said, adding that there are great staff and community spirit.

Also raised by Cllr Penrose at the same meeting, was concern about the road in the Carraig Mór Estate in Ballynacargy. The council undertook to consider the issue for the 2014 estimates.

Cllr Penrose received a less positive response to a request that the road at Cartron Gaybrook be resurfaced. He said the road had previously had works done under a Local Improvement Scheme and was never sealed. The council said it is not a public road.