The National Roads Authority (NRA ) came under fire at the first meeting of the new Westmeath County Council, as councillors vented their anger at the body’s unwillingness to meet with them to discuss unfinished road projects in the county.
The heated discussion arose after a letter from the NRA was read out, which said there would be “little benefit” in meeting with councillors regarding the lack of progress on the completion of the N52 Rathconnell to Turin road project.
“That’s rubbish...it’s an outrage and a scandal,” responded Cllr Dan McCarthy, setting the tone for the barrage of complaints that was to follow.
“Both ends of this road are closed so people can’t use it. If there is a fatality people will be saying we should have moved sooner. Rubbish, rubbish, that’s all it is. There’s a total disregard for the people using the road,” added Cllr McCarthy.
Cllr Frank McDermott branded the lack of action taken by the NRA to finish the stretch of the N52 in question as “disgraceful” and said it “brings disrepute on the council”.
Athlone’s Cllr Frankie Keena proposed that a representative of the NRA be invited to speak to councillors. “For once and for all, can we get an NRA person in to dedicate a one or two hour session and get some positive responses,” he asked.
However former cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Whelan reminded councillors that invitations had been issued and met with refusal. “I propose we write to the Minister for Transport. As a government body the NRA should be held accountable.”
“I have had a lot of reservations regarding the NRA over the last number of years,” added Cllr Paddy Hill. “This was not an easy election for anyone, and we had to explain to people why we can’t get potholes filled. They can hardly be so busy they can’t come to meet us and address the issues we are sick and tired of raising.”
Newly elected Cllr Colm Arthur said it was a pity to see the goodwill afforded the NRA prior to the commencement of the works not being returned. “It is very important to highlight all the monies that were supposed to come and were promised but haven’t come. We must highlight all the misgivings of the people we met on the doorsteps.”
However, Cllr Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said councillors should be mindful of the amount the county had received from the NRA to date.
According to county manager Dan McLoughlin, approximately €800,000 would be needed to complete work on the stretch of road.
The council is to request a meeting with representatives of the NRA, and, if met with a negative response, will write to the Minister for Transport on the issue.
