'Water lot of problems!'

The lack of development levies has left Westmeath County Council unable to fund a roundabout at the junction of the Killucan Road and the old Kinnegad Road at Kinnegad.Cllr. Leonard, who complained that there was a flooding problem at that location, asked that the Council examine the junction, and also look at upgrading the Killucan Road.The Council's written response was that there are plans to upgrade the junction to a roundabout, but added: "to date, insufficient levies have been collected from developers to fund this roundabout".The new roundabout design included an upgrade of the surface water drainage system, but until funding becomes available, none of this work can be undertaken, Cllr. Leonard was told."It needs to be looked at again," the Councillor responded. "There's a creche there, houses, and the new soccer clubs is on that road. There are HGVs passing and flooding is an ongoing problem."Cllr. Leonard pointed out that the road in question was a raised bog road, and warned that it was only a matter of time until there is an accident there.Cllr. Leonard also raised the question of flooding at Knockdrin, at Kevin McCourt's house, across from the entrance to Ballynagall estate, and also on the Kilmaglish Road at Brendan Walshe's.The Council's response was that the flooding at McCourt's has been examined and funding has been sought from the Office of Public Works for drainage works at that location.More floodingAt the same meeting, Cllr. Mick Dollard raised the question of flooding at a location in Mullingar. He told the executive that water floods into the driveway of 72 Newlands.The Council's response was that an an additional gully would be installed at that location as part of the planned 2009 road resurfacing works.Flooding at Cullionbeg occurs between Sheerins' and Cornallys' house, Cllr. Detty Cornally told the meeting. She was informed that funding has been sought from the OPW to upgrade the surface water drainage system at that location.A similar problem at Taughmon was raised for discussion by Cllr. Peter Burke. He told the meeting that flooding occurs on the cul de sac road opposite Taughmon Church, as a result of water flowing off the main road.The official written response to his call to have works carried out there to alleviate the problem was that some minor works will be carried out at the start of the road - which is private - to intercept water from the public road, and that these works will be carried out as soon as possible.Excess water is lodging at the entrance to Johnny Firr's house at Winetown, Rathowen, Cllr. Johnny Penrose told the same meeting. He asked if gullies could be put in place to remove the water.The response from the Council was that this problem was "very minor", and that there are no proposals - or funding - for works there.Cllr. Penrose had more success however with his call to have measures put in place to remove the water that lodges outside Connollys' house at Slanemore when it rains. The Council responded that it would check the gully there, and clean it if necessary.Cllr. Robert Troy told the Council there is also a flooding problem in front of houses 27 to 31, St. Bridget's Terrace in Mullingar; and outside town, at Walshestown, there is a problem in front of Michael McConnell's House. In relation to St. Bridget's Terrrace, the Council's response was that the situation will be monitored during wet weather, and that if necessary, remedial action will be taken. In relation to the problem at Walshestown, the Council undertook to meet with the householder to examine the location.Cllr. Troy also asked that the Council fill in the open drain in front of John O'Connor's house at Sekaghmore, Rathconrath, and was told that the drain forms part of the road surface water drainage system at that location, but that the drain will be cleaned as soon as possible.