Castlepollard 'can be considered' for bus stop

A series of local infrastructure issues – including a long‑requested bus shelter for Castlepollard, delayed traffic‑calming measures for Delvin and Clonmellon, and a proposed footpath for Clondone estate – were raised by Cllr David Jones at the February meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad.

He sought an update on plans for a new bus shelter in Castlepollard, an issue linked to a separate motion from Cllr Alfie Devine requesting its inclusion in the district’s 2026 allocation for bus stop infrastructure.

In response, council officials confirmed that additional bus shelters are expected to become available in the third quarter of 2026. The Castlepollard location “can be considered,” they said, but only subject to National Transport Authority (NTA) requirements, district funding priorities, and agreement from local stakeholders.

Officials noted that the district “will continue to install bus stops throughout the district”.

Cllr Jones also pressed the council to bring forward the Part 8 planning process for long-awaited traffic-calming works in Delvin and Clonmellon. He said councillors had previously been advised the Part 8 for Delvin would begin in March.

The Transportation Section reported that required procedural steps with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) need to be completed first. Scheme designs are being finalised, with the Part 8 now expected to begin in Q2 or Q3 of 2026.

Reacting to the update, Cllr Jones expressed disappointment: “It’s disappointing that this process is dragging on for both Delvin and Clonmellon. We’re missing out on funding opportunities. We can’t keep adding on another quarter – from Q2 to Q3. The last time we met in committee, we discussed a March Part 8 for Delvin, and now we’re delayed again.”

He requested closer liaison with the Transportation Section to prevent further slippage.

Footpath

A third query from Cllr Jones concerned the possibility of funding a new footpath at the Clondone housing estate in Delvin. Council officials responded that the project would be considered as part of the 2026 works estimates.

Cllr Jones welcomed the update, noting that the local residents association had also submitted a PPN funding proposal – similar to previous years – and had already sought costings from a local contractor.

He added that while their independent funding bid was unlikely to succeed, collaboration with the council could accelerate the project:

“Maybe we can liaise, or if the council can provide stone from the council yard, we’ll apply the labour, if possible, if you can supply the budget.”

Finea

Cllr Jones, backed by Cllr Alfie Devine, also asked that the district power wash and upgrade parts of the footpaths in Hillside in Finea which, he said, are reported as dangerous.

The official written reply stated that the District Office would examine that location to determine what level of work is required. It added that power washing of footpaths is generally carried out in Q1 subject to resources and this work can be considered as part of the annual works programme.