Cloon Lara Update

Cloon Lara update from Mullingar Town Council Meeting.I have asked County Council to inform residents as soon as possible what additional works are to be done in the coming months.

2.7 Cllr.Glynn:To ask Westmeath County Council to seek to have the entrance to Cloon Lara surface dressed, in the interests of public safety.

Reply:Mullingar Area Office will carry out minor repairs to the public road at the entrance to this estate but as the estate has not yet been taken in charge, surface dressing work is not envisaged.

Motion to Mullingar Town Council about Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar

Posted by Cllr Ken Glynn.

‎4.4 Cllr.K.Glynn:That Mullingar Town Council immediately calls on the Department of Health and Children to take measures to remove the chaos which has resulted in larger numbers waiting at A & E in Mullingar Hospital, due to (a) the closure of Roscommon Hospital A & E and (b) reduced health funding even though efficiencies within Mullingar Hospital far outweigh any other in the region.

In 2009 Mullingar Hospital received a budget of €64 million but this year only a budget of €55 million but are still providing the same frontline services if not more in the present day.I do appreciate we are in very difficult times but this hospital is one of the most efficient hospitals in the country with the second highest birth rate outside Dublin plus with over 33,000 people attending A and E,but staff are been heavily stretched.Recently I was made aware of a case where somebody spent 18 hours on a trolley,this is stressful for the patient,their family and the staff. The closure of services in Roscommon hospital has had a major impact and while the HSE say its bringing 6 patients on a daily basis extra I believe that figure is much higher and action is needed now.As a result of this motion my concerns have been sent to both the Minister and the HSE.

Safety Measures at Ardleigh/ Greenpark Meadows

Posted by Cllr Ken Glynn.

I raised this very serious issue at last weeks meeting of Mullingar Town Council and Westmeath County Council are looking at this as the reply shows.For all residents of Ardilaun,Ardleigh and Greenpark Meadows this is a important safety issue as the flashing amber lights are been ignored and excessive speed often happens along this location so will require improved safety measures at the crossing ...also.

4.3 Cllr.K.Glynn:That Westmeath County Council would improve safety at the pedestrian crossing near the shop in Ardleigh, which is being ignored by many motorists and may require the provision of traffic lights.

Reply:Mullingar Area Office will consider this matter in the context of installing traffic calming measures at the adjacent entrance to Ardleigh Vale.

Well done to Garrycastle

Posted by Cllr Frankie Keena.


Even though Garrycastle lost yesterday against Crossmaglen in the All Ireland replay, they should hold their heads high as they did us proud.
 Their achievements in winning the Leinster and bringing the All ireland final to a replay was fantastic. This success will most definitely be built on for future successes.
 Also well done on the Club for organising an excellent Family Fun Day today in Garrycastle and providing a warm homecoming for this excellent senior team.

Works to be undertaken at Pedestrian Walkway at Greenpark Meadows and the Avenue

• Posted by Cllr Ken Glynn

  Town Council Update:
  Glad that following raising this issue nice again that Council have given me a commitment that I will receive a time frame and list of works for this project in the coming week.
  
  2.5 Cllr.Glynn:To ask Westmeath County Council when it will commence works at the pedestrian walkway leading into Greenpark Meadows and The Avenue.
  
  Reply: This work will be undertaken on completion of the current upgrade project to Clonmore Roundabout.It is proposed to remove decorative chipping surface and replace with grass.

TROY DEMANDS ANSWERS ON COLUMB BARRACKS

Posted on 29/03/12 by Robert Troy

Fianna Fáil TD for Longford Westmeath, Robert Troy, has called on the Minister for Justice to immediately state what the future of Columb Barracks is.

Deputy Troy said: “Yesterday, we saw the Army personnel in Mullingar passing through the town for the last time. The affiliation of the people of Mullingar and Westmeath with the barracks was shown by the 5,000 people who were present for the last parade.

“Unfortunately it is too late to reverse the decision, but now the Department of Defence must engage with the local authorities and local groups to make the barracks available free of charge. This is the people's barracks and not the property of the State.

“Can Minister Shatter really try and convince us the money saved in closing Columb  Barracks will be that much higher than the cost of renting premises for the reserve force and the costs associated with making necessary modifications to costume barracks, Athlone to accommodate the transfer of personnel?

Deputy Troy added that there has been a distinct lack of initiative by the government on the future with the Barracks.

“The barracks should be given back to the local community and the Reserve Defence Force should be allowed carry out its good work. I also understand submissions have been made to Minister Shatter by a number of local groups and I believe they are still waiting on a response. Can the Minister clarify what engagement has taken place?

“The Minister should look at establishing a training centre, headquartered at Columb Barracks, for a number of groups like the Order of Malta, Civil Defence, Red Cross, Garda Reserves and more.”

Deputy Troy is also seeking clarity from the Government on the prospect of a foreign college locating at the site, a matter which Minister Shatter discussed with local representatives.

Deputy Troy said: “When the Minister for Defence met the various representatives from the barracks and Oireachtas Members, he gave an indication that a foreign college was interested in locating in the premises. This foreign college seemed to have been interested in locating in Mullingar, Cavan and in Clonmel. Will the Minister confirm if three foreign colleges are interested in locating in the barracks or whether one college may be interested in locating in one barracks?

“Through questions to the Minister in the Dáil last week I failed to receive clarity about what progress has been made with the future of the barracks. The Minister needs to provide answers on this as soon as possible.”