Kilbeggan's Main Street approved for revamp

The enhancement works planned from the River Brosna to the Tullamore roundabout include the upgrade of pavement and footpaths and lighting and will “improve and contribute to the revitalisation of the urban environment”, it has been stated.
Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council Pat Gallagher said the Main Street had suffered damage due to the nature and level of traffic it had to accommodate when it was a national primary route, but had now been changed to a local road and works could proceed to enhance the main thoroughfare.
A total of 19 submissions were received on the proposed project, 17 of those from the public, and the majority related to parking, dereliction and the effect by-passing a town can have on its vitality.
However, the improvement works were broadly welcomed by local representatives.
“Not everyone in Kilbeggan will be fully happy because parking in the town is an issue,” said Cllr Liam McDaniel. “Some submissions fell outside the scope of the project, which only goes from the roundabout to the Brosna Bridge. I would ask that those submissions that fell outside the project be taken on board and acted up, and that would further enhance the development.”
Seconding the proposal was Cllr Johnnie Penrose, who said it was great to see the money there for the improvement works to be carried out.

Cllr Michael O’Brien said that even though Kilbeggan is just outside his electoral area, it’s a town close to his heart. “With all these street enhancements, whether it’s Moate, Athlone or Mullingar, there’s always going to be objections to them, but I think it’s welcome. Unfortunately we’ve seen a lot of closures in Kilbeggan, like other towns, small businesses closing, so I think it will add a positive dimension.”