There was a disappointing turnout for the latest Community Alert meeting which took place on Thursday 24th September. Just ten dwellings and one business were represented.
Despite the poor response, the tone of the meeting was generally upbeat and Garda Niall Sheridan was on hand to respond to the issues raised.
Text Messaging Following a contract change, a new phone is to be acquired for the distribution of text messages and alerts. Further details will be issued in due course.
Newsletter In response to the disappointing turnout, a newsletter will be prepared for circulation to local homes and businesses.
Damage to Signs A number of signs purchased by the Community Alert group have been interfered with or vandalised. These signs cost €60 and residents are asked to report any damage to signs to local garda.
Pedestrian Crossing Despite repeated requests for Westmeath County Council and the NRA to address safety concerns pertaining to the pedestrian crossing, officers have failed to take any action. A number of locals have reported near misses on the crossing, between vehicles ignoring the crossing or speeding and failing to stop in time.
The committee is calling on the council to install a proper traffic light and challenges the response to previous requests that this cannot happen on a national route, by pointing to other villages on the same route that do have full traffic lights!
A meeting will be held in October and details will follow shortly. It is hoped that there will be a better turnout for this.