Councillors want wild flowers

Cllr Andrew Duncan wants the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District to sow wild flowers in the grass verges in areas that will not hinder visibility to motorists. He was told that all options to enhance biodiversity will be considered and when feasible, incorporated into the Municipal District landscaping works programmes

"I note the response, but I would like to see that response turned into action," said Cllr Duncan. "It's something minor from a cost perspective, you're really only talking about some seeds and you could turn those verges, which can be hard to maintain, into something that's very attractive. From a biodiversity perspective, and given the pressure that's on bees worldwide, it's something that could have a meaningful effect."

Supporting the motion was Cllr Frank McDermott who said he would like to see the same along the 8km realignment works on the N52 Delvin Road between Billistown and Turin

Also supporting the motion was Cllr Denis Leonard who said it would impact the biodiversity report. "We need to look at climate action and this is one very practical way of doing it," he said, while Cllr Bill Collentine said the Tidy Towns were already in talks with Westmeath County Council to find suitable areas around the town.

"This would be a big, big help to Tidy Towns. Mullingar gained 11 points this year on last, which is a fair achievement, but we need to bring it up higher," Cllr Collentine said.