Plea for regular updates on Kinnegad enterprise hub

A plea for regular updates on development of the proposed enterprise hub for Kinnegad was made by Cllr Denis Leonard last week, at the January meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District committee.

Cllr Leonard said there had been efforts for many years to get a hub started at the old tanning yard in Kinnegad, but that now a different location is under consideration.

“Obviously local people are very interested in that, and I think it’s information that should be in the public domain,” Cllr Leonard said, asking that there be updates given when funding comes through and as the proposal progresses.

The written response to his request stated that at present, Westmeath County Council is awaiting a formal offer in respect of JTF Enterprise Centre in Kinnegad.

“Once received, Westmeath County Council will immediately develop a programme to implement the commencement of the development,” Cllr Leonard was assured.

Pedestrian barrier

The need for a pedestrian barrier at the crossing between the back of Tesco and Heathfield estate, Kinnegad was raised for discussion by Cllr Leonard by way of motion. He said there had been many near-miss incidents there.

The response from the executive of the council stated that the crossing at Tesco in Kinnegad is a traffic light-controlled pelican crossing, and that there are no plans for a pedestrian barrier at that location.

Mr Murray undertook to have the issue investigated further, and to engage in discussions with Tesco over the matter.

Raharney

A request by Cllr Leonard that the municipal district resurface the walkway around the public park in Raharney did not meet with a positive response:

“This is a community developed and managed facility. There are no plans for Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad to resurface this walkway,” he was informed.

Cllr Leonard said he accepted the park was a community facility but there was an issue with pooling of water on the footpath. He said he would love if the council could work with the local community, as, during Covid, these sort of amenities were vital.

Mr Murray said the council would give the community support and technical help if it was to apply for a grant.

Rochfortbridge

Cllr Leonard also requested an update on the council’s plans to develop further the footpath/ walkway/ cycleway network in Rochfortbridge.

By way of response, the council executive explained that an application had been submitted under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to upgrade and improve the footpath on the R446 to Derrygreenagh Park Estate.

However funding had not been forthcoming and the recommendation was that as a result, the proposal be instead considered under estimates.

Cllr Leonard argued that the path was badly needed to help the area link in with other walking and cycling routes, and he urged the authority to attempt again to seek funding for the work.

Coralstown

At the same meeting, Cllr Leonard asked for an update on any traffic calming measures proposed for 2021 in the area around Coralstown church and school and incoming arteries.

The formal written response to his request stated that the location had been monitored on a number of occasions in early December 2020.

As a result of that monitoring, it was now proposed that additional footpaths at this location be considered for funding in the context of the 2021 Estimates, Cllr Leonard was informed.