Councillor submits proposal to relocate North Longford bottle banks

A councillor has called on Longford County Council when developing the new car park in Derrycasin woods/Mullinalaghta to 'make provision for the relocation of the bottle banks at Purth church'.

Fine Gael Cllr Garry Murtagh raised the issue and tabled a motion at the September meeting of Granard Municipal District.

The local representative stated every area should have a bottle bank in their community to promote recycling.

The motion was seconded by Independent Cllr Turlough McGovern, who said it was a very good motion.

Cllr Murtagh said the council and the Cathaoirleach have been working with the local authority in acquiring ground out there from Coillte.

"I'm told that it is on track so if it's possible to look at moving the bottle bank at Purth which is causing concern to some of the residents living out there because it is attracting vermin and it is within about 25-metres from a house."

Director of Services Barbara Heslin said the local authority was in the process of getting a grant transferred from Coillte for the Derrycasin woods car park project.

"We have got an extension of the deadline for the completion of the project for February 2026."

Ms Heslin said they had spoken to Longford County Council's Regeneration Team who are looking at the environmental and practical aspects.

"In theory there is no issue with moving it, but where the challenge might be is the actual access where the lorries collect the bottle bank."

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