Castlepollard residents enduring anti-social behaviour 'in darkness'

A streetlight is urgently needed at the top of Halligan’s Lane in Castlepollard, where residents, particularly elderly people, are facing anti-social behaviour in an area left in "complete darkness," councillors heard at the July meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad.

Cllr Alfie Devine tabled the motion requesting the installation of a lamp standard at the entrance to Killafree Church, Cemetery and Castle Heights. He said that while ducting for the light had been installed several years ago, the lamp itself was never erected.

"There’s actually a link from the town to Castle Heights via that lane," he explained. "Several elderly people use it to access their homes. There’s one man living at the very top of the lane who’s been terrorised by anti-social behaviour, and the area is in complete darkness."

He added that the presence of an adjacent vacant site has made the location a gathering point, further increasing the vulnerability of nearby residents.

In its response, the council confirmed it was aware of the anti-social behaviour and was currently awaiting a reply from the Transportation Department before proceeding.

Director of services Deirdre Reilly assured Cllr Devine that the issue would be followed up.

Cllr Devine appealed for support from fellow councillors, saying the residents affected "deserve to feel safe in their homes".