The River Brosna at Butler's Bridge, looking towards Lough Ennell. The photos (see below also) were taken recently and show the river at winter levels.

Council to write to Waterways Ireland about River Brosna

Published: Wed 24 Feb 2021, 2:58 PM

Last updated: Wed 24 Feb 2021, 2:59 PM

Westmeath County Council has agreed to write to Waterways Ireland over the condition of the River Brosna at Butlers Bridge.

At February’s meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, Cllr Aoife Davitt expressed concern over the area.

The Fianna Fáil woman had a motion on the agenda calling on the district to clean the area between Butler's Bridge and Lough Ennell, and was pleased to receive a reply stating that the walkway had been cleared.

However, she said, the bank of the Brosna was not visible; nor was the water.

“Thank you for the work completed: it has made a huge difference,” Cllr Davitt said, adding that the local residents are very active there and they work hard to counter the dumping and littering that go on consistently on that area.

However, she continued, the local fishing club had pointed out how overgrown the river was.

“So,” she said, “ I want us to write to Waterways Ireland and ask them to clear the weeds.”

Support came from council cathaoirleach, Cllr Ken Glynn, who said tributes were due to the local residents for their co-operation with council staff during the clean-up: between 20 and 25 people had turned out to help.

Mr Murray undertook to have a letter written to Waterways Ireland.

The River Brosna at Butler's Bridge, looking towards Mullingar.

Covid units

Cllr Hazel Smyth also asked the council how many social housing properties are being reserved within the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad for Covid related reasons/ requirements.

To that, the response was that the housing department is currently retaining two units for this purpose. “This is something that is reviewed on a continuous basis,” the reply stated.

Rochfortbridge sign missing

A sign missing from Clonlost appears more stolen than lost, it emerged at the meeting. Cllr Denis Leonard asked that a sign pointing the way to Rochfortbridge be re-erected on the Clonlost Road.

The written response from council officials stated that it appeared the previous sign may have been stolen: “A new sign will be ordered,” Cllr Leonard was promised.