Call to repair potholes on approach to Slane Bridge

The National Roads Authority (NRA) was given a sharp reminder at the Slane Electoral Area Committee meeting of Meath County Council that it has a duty to repair potholes on the southern approach to Slane Bridge. Cllr Ann Dillon Gallagher said the fact that the road was a national route was enough to prompt the NRA to ensure the existing route across the bridge was safe pending the building of a bypass for the village. "I want the NRA to ensure that the funds are available to do this work," she said. The Fine Gael councillor also welcomed the council's work on resurfacing a road at Lobinstown. She said that the road had been "shattered" over a number of years and was full of craters. Cllr Jimmy Cudden called for the placement of a parking space for disabled people at the western end of the village. He said it was impossible for disabled people to get near the shop there because of the unavailability of parking space. The councillor also called for improvements to be made to the junction configuration at Beamore Cross. He said the junction was a very busy and dangerous one. He added it was imperative that the grass verges there should be cut to improve visibility. Engineer Jim Colwell said the council intended to paint 'no parking' lines near properties adjacent to Gormanston train station. Cllr Cudden said that train passengers parking near the station throughout the day were putting local residents' lives at risk because the passengers' cars might block access for ambulances or fire brigades. "They are actually trapping people in their houses by parking across their gateways," he said. The subject of littering in the county was raised by Cllr Eoin Holmes who said he understood that the council staff were engaged in carrying out roadworks, but he asked if control of litter could be tackled. One of the "hot spots" for litter was in the Oldbridge area. Mr Colwell said that if adverse weather affected progress on roadworks, it might be possible to turn to litter control. Cllr Holmes called on council officials to contact the NRA once more about the area council's call for its officials to attend its meeting and address them on the implications of the Leinster Orbital Route motorway which is planned for the northern environs of the village. Council official Paul Monaghan said the NRA had responded to the council. However, Cllr Cudden said that the NRA had responded to a member of the Oireachtas but not to the area council. Cllr Wayne Harding told the council that he had received complaints about the opening of a gate leading to the ramparts along the canal at Slane. Cars had gained access to walking area, making it dangerous for pedestrians. Cllr Sirena Campbell raised questions about the need for signs at an entrance onto Laytown beach, and about the status of the former Duleek courthouse.