'Dangerous' county Longford road to be addressed after significant concerns raised
Fianna Fáil Cllr Pat O'Toole and Fine Gael Cllr Paul Ross submitted similar motions
Two councillors have called on Longford County Council seek to take in charge the road from the Main Street up to the soccer pitch in Ballymahon due to the 'dangerous' nature of it.
Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Toole and Fine Gael Councillor Paul Ross submitted similar motions at last week's monthly meeting of Ballymahon Municipal District.
Cllr O'Toole called on the local authority to take in charge the lane beside Bridgeways Family Resource Centre that leads to Ballymahon Soccer pitch and the local vets practice.
"I think there was a view that this lane or road had already been taken in charge but it hasn't and it is part," he said.
"It's a dangerous narrow lane with an awful lot of traffic on it so it's urgent that we get some work done on this."
Meanwhile, Cllr Ross, in his motion, outlined this road is very narrow with 'poor sight lines' onto the main street.
"This road also accesses two very busy businesses with constant pedestrian and vehicular traffic on the road.
"I would request that this road be taken in charge in the interest of public safety."
Cllr Ross seconded Cllr O'Toole's motion and the Ballymahon-based representative then seconded the Legan-based councillor's motion.
There was strong support from the councillors present and the members agreed to begin the process to take the road in charge.
A Longford County Council spokesperson, who issued the same response to Cllr O'Toole and Cllr Ross, said there is a process to be undertaken to declare a roadway as a public road.
"This involves advertising the councils intention to declare the road as a public road and consider any submissions received.
"Consider the financial implications of declaring the road as a public road (cost of drainage, resurfacing, lighting etc).
"Consider if the road is of general public utility. "
Longford County Council said subject to direction of the Municipal District they will commence this process.