Market Point bridge needs more maintenance, says local councillor

A Mullingar councillor wants more maintenance and cleaning of the footbridge from Market Point over the Royal Canal.

Cllr Bill Collentine made the request at the April meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, and the written response he received stated that as the bridge is not in the charge of Westmeath County Council, they will need to liaise with the developer with a view to cleaning it.

Cllr Collentine admitted he found it surprising that Market Point was taken over many years ago, but the council had not yet taken over charge of the bridge.

Cllr Mick Dollard pointed out that there is a management company at Market Point and said it should be their responsibility to look at maintenance of the bridge.

Cllr Andrew Duncan also supported the motion, remarking that the bridge was one of the most heavily utilised on the canal. “It just doesn’t look right,” he said.

Chewing gum

Cllr Collentine also asked that the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad carry out cleaning of chewing gum on footpaths in Mullingar.

To that, the response was that the district does that work routinely.

“This will be carried out as part of the normal street cleaning. A high pressure deep clean takes place a number of times throughout the year. This is effective in removing all stubborn stains and chewing gum,” Cllr Collentine was informed.

Reacting, he asked if the cleaning could be done more regularly, especially in the town centre areas.