The possibility of Westmeath acquiring an additional village was aired recently at the bi-monthly meeting of the Kilbeggan Area committee when it was suggested that Dalystown might be the next qualifier.
This came to light following a question from Cllr Paul Daly concerning the lack of signage at the strategic crossroads on the N52 between Mullingar, Tyrrellspass, and Ballinagore since the latest stretch of this national route was completed in December.
“Alright. Dalystown has been bypassed, but not wiped off the map,” said Cllr Daly.
“Also, the signage for the Kilbeggan Races at Tyrellspass will see Dublin traffic in Cavan,” he warned, with some tongue in cheek.
He went on to reveal how a constituent had remarked how a passerby had called into his drive on his way to Castletowngeoghegan and “was very frustrated”, and asked for additional signage for Dalystown to be erected at the new N52 junction.
For the council, Barry Kehoe pointed out that Dalystown signage was “not likely, as it’s not a village, and has never had a nameplate, but that this could be considered for review”.
He went on to explain how signage on national routes is provided for within parameters set out in an NRA manual, and the council had no discretion in the matter.
“Prior to the opening of the N52 [between Carrick bridge and Clonfad] no signage existed at the Dalystown junction for Castletowngeoghegan, [and] it is not possible to provide a sign or Castletowngeoghegan at this junction. The first village, Ballinagore, is signposted,” he clarified.
However, he was a little more positive in relation to a query raised by a later motion which could lead to a ban on trucks from Rochfortbridge.
Cllr Paul Daly had submitted a motion asking the Executive to fix what he called a “bad bump” on the R400 Rhode to Rochfortbridge road, which he described as “very dangerous” for loaded tractors.
Cllr Arthur suggested the council put up signage here to divert HGVs to Tyrrellspass for the N52 “to stop lorries going on this road through Rochfortbridge to Mullingar”.
“The N52 is the recommended route [for this traffic]. It is possible to ban four-axle off this road. We can look into this, seriously,” confirmed Mr Kehoe.
“I presume we’ll not be looking into Cllr Arthur’s proposal and leave my bump in the road?” smiled Cllr Daly.
