Concerns over safety at Newbrook entrance

Concerns over safety at the entrance to Newbrook Grove and Newbrook Drive have been expressed by Cllr Ken Glynn, who told the July meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District that residents are struggling to safely exit their estate.

In an official response to a question submitted by Cllr Glynn, the council stated that sightlines at the estate entrance had been examined and were deemed adequate. However, Cllr Glynn explained the issue was not visibility, but rather the practical problems caused by construction vehicles parking along the entrance.

“The sightlines might be adequate, but that’s not really the issue,” he said. “The problem is the narrowness of the entrance due to construction traffic, and secondly the poor condition of the tabletop ramp, which is in need of repair.”

District Engineer Pat Kavanagh acknowledged the issue, confirming that it was his intention to resurface the damaged ramp and that a council engineer had already inspected the area. He said steps would be taken to have the contractor move construction hoarding that is contributing to the obstruction.

Cllr Glynn also questioned whether workers could be directed to park in a nearby area they previously had access to, stating, “It’s not safe where they’re parking.” Mr Kavanagh responded that parking in the current location should not be happening and that the council had already made alternative arrangements for the contractor. He committed to following up again with the builders.

“We’ll certainly go back down to them again,” he said.