Some months ago Council received the sum of circa 40,000 to improve the bend on Cooney’s Lane and install a pedestrian crossing.
The Engineer originally wished to remove a substantial bank at the corner but having consulted with local residents we have now received a map of the proposed layout. In it Council propose to side the pedestrian crossing adjacent to Newton Court just where the ditch and trees line the roadway.

I understand that the Tree Surgeon has recommended the felling of just two trees one ash and one beech, basically the second and fourth tree and to trim the others. Council also proposes to install a footpath to join with other footpath on Cooney’s lane/Hollyville. They propose to trim back the hedge on the opposite side which will widen the current footpath and instal an unregulated crossing in the vicinity.

I am aware that many children in the area go to Scoil Nicloics and when their extension is completed many more will be attending. I am also aware that schools are actively looking at the setting up of School Walking Bus and therefore for this to get off the ground the footpaths and crossings in the area will have to be upgraded urgently.

There is a review of the Planning & Development Act going through the Oireachtas at the moment and the issue of ensuring that Local Authorities are in a position to take particular roads and other services in their charge is a critical one which I hope the review will act on.

In relation to the the playing pitches in Ardfield I have emails going back to 2004 in an effort to get the issue of this area of ground taken in charge. Various viewpoints have been given to me over the years from officials and I am completely frustrated that there has been no progress in the matter. Its a sad reflection of our systems.

The latest update is as follows “… understanding is that these lands were specifically earmakred as playing pitches as distinct from public open space. However, ownership of the lands still vests in the developer/owner and accordingly, the land has not been taken in charge or handed over to the Council. Until such time as this occurs, the Council are not in a position to deal with the laqnds in the context of future utilisation.

This is totally unsatisfactory as the area surrounding the pitches has been subject to anti social behaviour and litter. This is not fair on the nearby residents and copperfastens the lack of proper framework in the planning bill.