Westmeath County Council say landowner must address roads debris issue

Westmeath County Council say debris falling on the road near Rahugh Church is the responsibility of the landowner.

Cllr Liam McDaniel asked the Municipal District of Athlone -Moate if the local authority would investigate and provide a solution to prevent stones and rocks falling from an esker in the area to the road, alongside Rahugh Church.

Pointing out that the lands are privately owned, the local authority reply said The Roads Act obliges landowners and occupiers to take all reasonable steps to prevent water, soil, or other materials from escaping their land and falling on a public road, creating a hazard to road users.

They said action was recently taken to address the matter: “The district has issued a notice to the landowner in recent days outlining the landowners’ legal responsibilities under Section 76 of the Act.”