Safety fence sought for Cois Lene estate in Collinstown
A senior engineer with Westmeath County Council has said he is happy to meet residents of a north Westmeath housing estate to discuss a range of grievances regarding the condition of their estate.
At the November meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, Cllr Alfie Devine asked if a fence could be erected at the rear of Cois Lene, Collinstown, on council-owned land. “There is a huge safety risk there with an open drop into Cois Lene,” he said.
The official response from the council was that the district would consider allocating a budget for the construction of a fence as part of the 2026 estimates. Cllr Devine told engineer Pat Kavanagh that there was confusion among residents over whether their estate was to be taken in charge. He highlighted concerns about a large wall at the back of the estate and the fact that the land behind it was only fenced with a three-rail barrier.
“I can’t understand how something hasn’t happened there up to now,” he said, adding that the situation has persisted for 15 to 18 years. “It’s starting to get really badly overgrown, and if someone walks through that, it’s just a straight drop over the edge, about 25 feet into a concrete yard. It is dangerous and a health and safety issue.”
He said residents were keen to know who was responsible for resolving the problem and asked that the district take a closer look at the area.
Responding, Mr Kavanagh stated that the council had carried out works there a year or two ago, mainly related to water or sewage connections and surface water issues. He added that he intended to include the fence in the estimates, noting that “it needs a substantial fence across the main area”.
Cllr Devine also raised questions over which areas were part of the development and whether the residents association needed to be involved.
Mr Kavanagh said he would meet residents and the council’s taking-in-charge officer. “There is a bond in place for the estate. I’ll happily meet with the residents if they agree,” he stated.
Fore and Multy
At the same meeting, Cllr Devine asked for an update on when the ramps will be installed in Multyfarnham. The Municipal District advised that they are currently completing the surfacing of roads as part of the 2025 Works Programme. Once the roads are finished, the contractor will complete all agreed ramps in December 2025.
Cllr Devine also sought an update on proposed footpath works in Fore along the main street. The district confirmed that the works were scheduled to be carried out within the following three weeks.