'Adequate numbers' of lifebuoys sought for this Kildare river
The request was made by a local representative
Kildare County Council (KCC) has been urged to provide ‘adequate numbers’ of lifebuoys and to upgrade access to one County Kildare river.
The request was submitted by Fianna Fáil councillor Veralouise Behan at the latest Athy Municipal District meeting, which took place on Monday, July 20 last.
During the early stages of this meeting, she motioned for KCC, in conjunction with Waterways Ireland, to outline ‘any plans it has for upgrading parking and pathways to access the River Barrow at Maganey Bridge, and to ensure that adequate numbers of lifebuoys are available to facilitate the large numbers of people using these amenities’.
Her motion was seconded by her party colleague, Cllr Brian Dooley.
In response to Cllr Behan’s motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: “With the agreement of the members, KCC will contact Waterways Ireland.”
However, KCC also pointed out: “The parking area and pathway are in the ownership of Waterways Ireland.”
POPULAR WITH ‘YOUNGSTERS’
Speaking further on her motion, Cllr Behan told KCC that the area is popular with ‘youngsters’, who are ‘out there all throughout the Summer months’.
She also informed KCC that there is ‘a bit of damage to the entrance on the way [into Maganey Bridge].’
Once Cllr Behan finished speaking, Cllr Dooley then spoke to express his support for KCC’s reply.
“I welcome the opportunity to speak with Waterways Ireland over this,” he added.
These sentiments were echoed by the MD’s Mayor, Labour Party Cllr Mark Leigh.
Furthermore, Cllr Dooley criticised incidences in the region where lifebuoys had been vandalised or stolen.
His comments echoed similar ones made by a representative of KCC at a separate MD meeting, which took place last week.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme