'Light at end of tunnel' for Ardilaun Green and Heights

There was “light at the end of the tunnel” for residents of Ardilaun Green and Ardilaun Heights at the December meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, after district engineer Pat Kavanagh signalled that long-sought safety improvements at their shared entrance could finally be included in next year’s budget.

Cllr Ken Glynn, who has raised the issue repeatedly, said the entrance posed ongoing difficulties for residents of the two large estates, which share a single access point to the increasingly busy C-Link Road. He said previous hopes of delivering the works under Active Travel had faded, making their inclusion in the 2026 estimates essential.

“It’s nigh impossible to get out of the estate at times,” he said. “It’s a unique situation – two bigger estates with one entrance – and residents are genuinely worried about safety, especially at busy times. This has been a long-standing priority of mine and it needs to be looked at now.”

Cllr Julie McCourt supported the call, saying there were “serious safety concerns” for locals.

District engineer Pat Kavanagh said he was familiar with the issues, adding that increased traffic and on-street parking had heightened the need for intervention.

“I would like to get it into the estimates and do something there next year,” he told members. “I think we can help it a bit with some work. We could easily include it in the estimates.”

The mayor, Cllr Mick Dollard, also voiced his support for the proposal.

The official response confirmed that safety works will be examined as part of the 2026 budget process.

Millmount

Cllr Glynn also pressed for two or three traffic-calming measures in Millmount, where residents have reported concerns about speeding and congestion.

The district said ramps for the estate will also be considered under the 2026 estimates.

Cllr Glynn said younger families had moved in to the area in recent years, heightening the need for action.

“Cars speed up to the top and use it as a turning point, and the road is quite narrow,” the councillor said. “It would be great if officials could visit the area and meet residents on site.”