Anger as talks over 'crater-filled' Navan buisness laneway break down
Plans to improve the surface of Clonmagadden Lane in Navan have fallen through, causing huge frustration for the many businesses that operate along the lane.
Crater-like potholes have causing businesses Navan to suffer, according to angry business people who use the lane.
Meath County Council had been involved in extension discussions with a landowner in the area to acquire land to improve the lane, but these have broken down.
The lane, which services a large number of enterprises, including garages, a monumental sculptor, waste and concrete companies, is in a terrible condition with potholes, which locals working there say are more like craters.
Local businesses have said trade is suffering, as customers are now reluctant to travel on the road's surface, which they say is like a minefield.Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy, said conditions on the lane are terrible.
"I'm hugely disappointed with how this situation has turned out. There are multiple businesses on the Clonmagadden Lane who remain adversely affected by the condition of the road surface.
"It is in such a bad state that people are reluctant to drive on the lane. This is a huge concern to the local traders who will definitely lose trade and custom if the road surface is not upgraded.
"Meath County Council is willing to make a significant investment, and has allocated considerable time and resources to try and get a deal over the line. “Had they been successful, Clonmagadden Lane would have been transformed through the installation of a new road, footpath and public lighting system.
"As it stands, responsibility for the provision of such infrastructure lies with the individual landowners. For the sake of the businesses operating at Clonmagadden, I urge them to upgrade the lane as quickly as possible."
Meath County Council had indicated that land that would be required to be transferred to the council in the area to provide for the full width of the proposed road/path development to bring the lane up to standard.
Councillors agreed in 2021 that that land should be sought from landowners and a financial contribution from multi-national companies. It was agreed to see what agreement could be reached and, if such agreement was possible, this would be brought back before the municipal district.
Councillors were notified last week that negotations had fallen through.
"Since March 2021 extensive discussions (involving time and resources) have taken place between MCC and a landowner. I now wish to inform you that to date no agreement regarding the lands has emerged. Therefore the lane will remain a private lane and its development and the development of the surrounding lands will be a matter for agreement between the individual landowners," according to the communication received from the executive.