Fine Gael councillor Christy Hyland’s notice of motion calling on Westport Town Council to provide public lighting and improve the safety aspect of the stretch of road from the Fire Station out towards Carrowbawn caused him to say “I will not be a member any more if it is not addressed”.
All town councillors supported the motion, however the road, which is under the remit of the NRA, has been given no funding for this year.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Myles Staunton commented that the NRA seem to base its funding on “reactive criteria rather than proactive criteria” and said that the “sad reality” is that the road is not under “town council control”.
“We all share Cllr Hyland’s frustration” however it is a matter of resources and when a grant is received the work will be done,” said acting town manager Martin Keating.
Regarding the lighting on Willow Lane, €5,000 has been allocated for the area under the 2010 roadworks programme, and Mr Keating said it is “open to discussion” on how it will be spent.
