Concerns raised over bus access to Charter Medical

Concerns were raised at the February meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District about access to public transport for patients attending Charter Medical Private Hospital.

Cllr Andrew Duncan asked that a dedicated bus service be provided to serve the hospital, highlighting the challenges faced by patients with mobility or health difficulties.

The National Transport Authority advised that Charter Medical will be accommodated by the Mullingar Bus Service, and a bus stop is located near Hillside Drive and Millmount, less than 500 metres from the hospital.

However, Cllr Duncan said the distance involved an uphill walk and may not be suitable for many patients.

“That 500 metres is uphill, and for people going to Charter Medical, they may not be capable of walking uphill and then another few hundred yards up the avenue,” he said.

He also noted that while there is an informal pedestrian route used by residents, the issue of safe and accessible access should be examined.

Director of services Deirdre Reilly said the matter would be kept under review as the bus service becomes established.

“As the bus service gets up and running, we will see extensions of the service,” she said. “We will continue to engage with the NTA in relation to your request.”

College Hill

Cllr Duncan also raised concerns about street lighting at College Hill, where lights have been out of operation for an extended period.

The Transportation Section said the lighting system in the area requires “unbundling”, involving electrical isolation points and associated rewiring, and that the project will be considered subject to available funding in 2026.

District engineer Pat Kavanagh said he would follow up with the Transportation Section and revert to members with further details.

Taughmon

At the same meeting, councillors were told that €100,000 has been allocated for road safety works in the Taughmon area, including works near Taughmon school. Cllr Duncan had requested an update to his request for a speed ramp at the school

The Transportation Section confirmed that the project is currently at design stage and is scheduled to be delivered in 2026.

“I’m delighted to see that €100,000 has been allocated for road safety,” Cllr Duncan said. “I’m thrilled to see that level of investment.”