Traffic calming for Drumcree; funding for Delvin; promotion of tourism in north Westmeath

Traffic calming measures in Drumcree, funding for improvements in Delvin, and greater promotion of north Westmeath as a tourism destination were among the issues raised by Cllr David Jones at the June meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District.

Cllr Jones asked the local authority to consider the installation of traffic ramps at Drumcree. In response, the District Office confirmed that traffic calming measures would be considered as part of future works estimates.

Welcoming the response, Cllr Jones said: “I’m happy enough with that. It would complement the new footpath if we could get a ramp on the R395 there. Even a possible tabletop ramp at that junction would be ideal.”

The councillor also sought confirmation that the Municipal District would support an application for Delvin under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Officials advised that the local authority would support an application for Delvin, and all proposals would be considered through the expression of interest process by the Community Section and aligned with the most appropriate rural support scheme.

Cllr Jones said he was satisfied with the response and revealed that he had already submitted an expression of interest.

“Now we have a mayor from Delvin, so no doubt he’ll advocate with his own minister for funding for a town and village application,” he joked, referring to newly elected cathaoirleach, Cllr Niall Gaffney.

Speaking about the development of the village, he said only modest funding was required to make a noticeable difference.

“I think the way Delvin has come on, we don’t need a huge pile of money – €50,000 for a paint rejuvenation scheme, a bit of power washing and a bit of a planting scheme. I think the village is really coming on well with the support of the local authority. A small town and village application would be appreciated.”

Tourism

Cllr Jones also called on the Municipal District to advocate for funding in the upcoming budget to market north Westmeath as a tourism destination.

The council’s tourism officer said budgets are considered annually in line with planned events and activities under the county tourism strategy, while also allowing for opportunities to develop and promote Westmeath as a visitor destination.

The response noted that the County Tourism Strategy contains a number of objectives relating to the unique cultural landscape of north Westmeath and its potential as a tourism cluster, which would be relevant when future budget allocations are being considered.

While acknowledging the response, Cllr Jones said he hoped north Westmeath would receive a dedicated allocation similar to those provided for tourism promotion elsewhere in the county.

“The answer is the answer in budget time,” he said, remarking that substantial allocations had been made to Destination Athlone and Destination Mullingar and stating that it would be good to see an allocation for ‘destination north Westmeath’ as well.

No signs of dirt!

A suggestion that the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad purchase a water sprayer that could be lent to Tidy Towns groups to clean road signs in their areas was also made by Cllr Jones. He said a device would cost less than €1000.

The mayor, Cllr Niall Gaffney, supported the call but Cllr Alfie Devine, while also supporting it, said when equipment is lent out it tends to get lost or damaged, so it would be better if each group had their own equipment.

The response from the district stated that it would assist the Tidy Towns groups in sourcing grants for materials and equipment, and director of services Deirdre Reilly told members that the council could not lend out equipment as it would then become responsible for health and safety and training.

Shiver me timbers

One of Westmeath’s most-photographed locations – the jetty at Lough Lene – may need some of its timbers replaced, Cllr David Jones has warned.

“Some of the timbers have got very weak,” he told officials at the June meeting of the Municipal District meeting of Mullingar Kinnegad, as he spoke on his motion proposing that the district inspect and replace any defective wood on the jetty.

The official written response provided contained an undertaking that the district would examine the structure to determine what repairs are required.

Cllr Alfie Devine supported the call.