'Bridges' for animals to cross roads sought

“Bridges” for badgers, foxes and other wildlife to safely cross the roads have been called for by Westmeath Green Party member, Cllr Hazel Smyth.

Although wildlife tunnels have been provided along motorways, there are no provisions on minor roads.

Speaking at a meeting of the Westmeath Transport Strategic Policy Committee, Cllr Smyth reported seeing “a lot of road kill recently” and wondered what the council could do to make roads more wildlife-friendly.

Cllr Smyth said that in other countries, they are building “little bridges almost for animals so they can cross the road safely”.

Director of Services, Barry Kehoe said that the council had put in tunnels along the M6 motorway but he was not aware of any other measures that could be taken on non-motorway roads. Cllr Smyth offered to provide this information.