Council to investigate Kilmacuagh Avenue issues

Concerns specific to Kilmacuagh Avenue in Athlone will be investigated by Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

A number of issues relating to the road, which leads to Willow Park Football Club grounds, were raised by Cllr Paul Hogan at a recent sitting of the Municipal District. The Independent Ireland elected member called on the local authority to conduct a survey of outstanding issues and to plan works for Kilmacuagh Avenue over a phased basis.

"Having visited Kilmacuagh Avenue at the request of locals, there were a number of issues which must be addressed, all of which are having a negative impact in the area," Cllr Hogan said.

Cllr Hogan said that amongst the issues was the long-term presence of a car parked on the avenue without tax and insurance with "no attempt being made to move it".

"There was a bad odour coming from the sewer network and a number of unauthorised openings off the avenue," Cllr Hogan said.The councillor also stated there were was an unauthorised development providing accommodation without "any planning".

"Falling trees are lying up against houses in which people are living and there is also the issue of parking along the avenue. You can technically park for free on the avenue and residents are finding it difficult to leave their homes on a regular basis as they can be blocked in. The avenue should be restricted to residential parking only. These were just my observations from my visit recently," Cllr Hogan said.

Cllr John Gibbons said that there should be an "overall look" at Kilmacuagh Avenue while Cllr Frankie Keena added that there were "ongoing issues" at the location and the district should "engage with the residents and address accordingly".

In response, District Manager, Willie Ryan, said there had been a "historical suite of issues" at Kilmacuagh Avenue, adding the District would investigate any specific concerns raised by the elected members or by members of the public.