Personnel shortage affecting power washing plans

The ongoing hosepipe ban in Westmeath – in place for several months as a result of low water levels at Lough Owel – has led the county council to suspend the practice of power-washing streets.

In other areas, however, where the hosepipe ban is not in place, the practice is also not taking place – but that is down to personnel numbers.

At the September meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, Cllr David Jones asked that the district give an update on the schedule for the power washing of footpaths in rural towns where there is no hosepipe ban and to provide the schedule to members.

The written response from the district stated that power washing would be carried out throughout villages and towns in the district as resources become available.

Cllr Jones was disappointed that the work was being impacted by resources, and went on to explain how badly the power washing was required: “I've seen two pictures of the footpaths in Delvin, one when they were installed and one compared to now, and there's a huge difference.

"The shine has just gone off the footpaths,” said Cllr Jones, adding that he believed if the footpaths were washed, it would have helped Delvin in the Tidy Towns competition this year.

“Clonmellon was actually done, and all the other towns right across north Westmeath, so we need the people on the ground to power wash the footpaths where there is no hosepipe ban,” he said.

Rochfortbridge

At the same meeting, Cllr Jones asked that the district write to the owners of the overgrown green area of Castlepark housing estate in Rochfortbridge with a view of them cleaning it up and or selling it for a nominal fee to the local authority.

The reply from the district was that if members agreed, a letter could issue to the HSE in this regard.

Collinstown

Cllr Jones also asked that the district repaint the rumble strips in Collinstown on the Delvin road beside the Hill housing estate.

By way of response, the district stated that it would examine the issue and carry out relining if deemed necessary.

“Traffic calming measures have recently been carried out in Collinstown, funded under the 2025 traffic calming budget,” the response concluded.