Columb Barracks ‘needs cleaning’ – Cllr Dollard

A claim that Columb Barracks in Mullingar, which is currently in use as an IPAS centre, is in “a disgraceful condition”, has been made by Cllr Mick Dollard.

At the October meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, he asked that the district arrange to liaise with the relevant authorities to carry out a general clean-up of the barracks.

“My late father spent 43 years up there and he would turn in his grave if he saw the condition of Columb Barracks at the present moment,” he said.

The response from the district stated that a letter could be sent to the Department of Defence in this regard.

Road safety measures

Cllr Dollard also requested information on what plans are in place for safety measures at Rathgowan, Farranshock and Greville Park.

The response stated that road safety measures have been installed throughout Farranshock and Greville Park in accordance with planning permission conditions.

“In addition, a recent planning application has been conditioned to provide further road safety improvements, including the construction of footpaths, cycleways, installation of traffic calming measures and the provision of pedestrian crossings along the C-Link Road and Ashe Road,” the response concluded.

Resurfacing

Cllr Dollard also asked that the resurfacing of the back lane at St Brigid’s Terrace, Mullingar, be considered as part of the council’s future roads programme.

The District Office confirmed that resurfacing the lane would be considered as part of the 2027 Works Estimates.

Cllr Ken Glynn seconded the motion, saying the lane was the last remaining one in the area that had not been resurfaced. He said he had included it on his own submission list earlier in the year and expressed hope that the work could be included in this year’s or next year’s programme.

Cllr Andrew Duncan also supported the motion, saying the work should be prioritised in light of the housing activity in the area.