Councils to cooperate on Baylough works?

Athlone MD members have called on the Council to seek cooperation with Westmeath’s local authority in completing public works on a 1-kilometre stretch of road between Newtowncarberry, Baylough and Athlone.

Cllr Tony Ward proposed that the local authority, in conjunction with their colleagues in Westmeath, provide public lighting and footpaths for local residents, members of St. Peter’s Football Club and landowners in the area. His proposal was widely supported at Tuesday’s Athlone Municipal meeting with Cllr John Keogh proposing that a letter be written to members of Westmeath County Council as well as its executive.

Cllr Laurence Fallon, right, said it had been agreed when Athlone was designated as a Regional Growth Centre that there would be “ongoing dialogue” between the two local authorities. He called for that to be reintroduced following a lull post-Covid.

Athlone MD Cathaoirleach Cllr John Naughten said he would raise the issue with his counterpart in Westmeath.

N61 safety report due this month

A recent meeting of the Athlone Municipal District heard that a Transport Infrastructure Ireland draft report into safety concerns on the N61 in south Roscommon should be available by the end of this month.

Cllr Tony Ward had asked the Council for an update on the report, which is being carried out by Roughan O’Donovan Consultants for TII.

The report, which will form the basis of an improvement strategy for the route, relates to safety issues from Ganly’s roundabout to the turn-off for St. Brigid’s GAA Club.