Batteries are being stolen from digital signs at schools in Errill and Rathdowney, which is causing serious safety concerns.
That is according to local Fine Gael County Councillor, John King, who raised the matter at the September meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District.
Cllr King called for the digital sign at St Colmcille’s National School, Errill to be repaired, explaining that the battery has been removed.
“These batteries fit into electric lawnmowers I’m told,” Cllr King said, suggesting that the digital signs are attracting unwelcome elements.
The Fine Gael councillor included a request to also have pencil bollards installed at the school “in order to create safety for all children attending.”
Mr James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer, replied, saying the Council’s Public Lighting Section will arrange for the repair of the sign but did not acknowledge the request for pencil bollards.
Staying in Errill, Cllr King asked that safety measures be carried out at Castlefleming Bridge, in the the form of new signage and road markings.
“There’s been issues at this bridge for many years,” Cllr King said. “Cars don’t see oncoming traffic.
“We need these new signs and markings on the road to indicate who has proper right of way in order to prevent accidents occurring at this junction.”
Mr Dowling agreed that District staff will meet with the Fine Gael councillor on site to discuss the proposal.
Finally, Cllr King requested an update on roads that are now completed under the Local Improvement scheme and also on roads that will be resurfaced before end of 2024.
Mr Dowling confirmed that five of the seven LIS-approved roads have been completed, leaving two outstanding jobs in Kirwan Park, Moiuntemellick and Ossory Court, Borris-in-Ossory.
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