Nearly 30 public liability claims open in Athlone district

More than 40 public liability claims against the council were recorded in Athlone and South Westmeath within the last four years, with close to 30 of these still to be finalised.

Some 27 public injury claims in the Athlone Moate Municipal district are currently open, with 12 of these dating from either 2023 or 2024.

The figures were provided at the July monthly meeting of the district on foot of a motion from Cllr Frankie Keena on the topic the previous month.

Commenting on the figures, Cllr Keena said he was "shocked" and "really not happy" that there were still 27 open cases for claims dating back to 2023.

"Our response, to the people who made these claims, is really not good enough. I don't feel it's fair on the (people involved)."

He also said he was dissatisfied that "no clarity" had been provided on whether all trip hazards and other possible issues leading to claims had been rectified.

"It is my intention to follow up further on this matter," he said.

Council management outlined how there were 41 public liability claims in the district between 2023 and this summer, with 34 of these involving personal injury claims, along with four claims for vehicle damage and three property damage claims.

Fourteen of the claims from 2023 and 2024 have been settled, while 12 claims remain open from these two years. None of the public liability claims from either 2025 or 2026 have been settled to date.

District management said each claim was "reviewed on its individual merits" and that staff carry out site inspections at the location of each alleged incident to "assess the circumstances giving rise to the claim, and to determine if there is any potential liability, and thereafter whether any maintenance, repair or other remedial works are required".

Director of Services Jackie Finney said it takes time for claims "to work their way through the system".

"Our insurers would also be working with us, and there is a responsibility on our insurers, and on us, in terms of the management of public resources and public monies," she said.

"Claims are investigated fully and it does take time for them to go through the system."