Pressure mounts for action on sewage and vandalism problems in Kinnegad

A series of long-standing infrastructure and public realm concerns in Kinnegad were raised again at the May meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, in particular sewage problems, derelict buildings and vandalism in the town park.

Cllr Denis Leonard called for the council to work with Uisce Éireann to find a long-term solution to flooding and sewage problems affecting Newpark and Newpark Court.

He suggested the estates should be connected to active sewer infrastructure where pipes are already in place and the natural fall of the land would allow proper drainage.

In response, officials confirmed that Uisce Éireann representatives were to attend a meeting with councillors and that an update on the issue will be specifically requested.

The councillor also sought an update on efforts to tackle vacant and derelict properties on Main Street in Kinnegad.

The district office confirmed that a walkability study examining derelict sites in the town was carried out in April and that a number of sites have since been identified for inspection.

Officials said properties deemed derelict will be progressed under the Derelict Sites legislation, while notices will be erected where ownership details cannot be established.

The issue of vandalism at the new town park in Kinnegad was also raised, and Cllr Leonard called for CCTV to be installed following repeated damage to expensive playground equipment.

The district office confirmed that the request has now been referred to the Local Community Safety Partnership for consideration.

The councillor warned that ongoing vandalism risks undermining what he described as an important amenity for the town and surrounding areas.

Speed and safety

Safety concerns around schools and pedestrian access in rural areas also formed part of discussions at the meeting. Cllr Leonard called on the council to carry out an audit of warning signs and speed signage outside primary and secondary schools throughout the district to identify locations where additional measures may be needed.

In response, the district office said repairs to warning and speed signage are carried out on an ongoing basis and confirmed that all school speed limits will be reviewed as part of the countywide speed limit review due to conclude later this year. Officials also noted that several schools across the district are already participating in the Safe Routes to School programme.

The councillor additionally requested that the council re-examine the need for a footpath linking Coralstown Church and school to the canal area, providing safer access to bus stops, local businesses and the Royal Canal Greenway. The district office said the proposed footpath can be examined as part of future estimates. The route is widely used by pedestrians and cyclists accessing the increasingly popular greenway and surrounding amenities.