Ballina laneway declared public road

Ballina laneway declared public road


Anna Marie Flynn

Councillors in Ballina have moved to make the laneway at McDermott Street a public road.
Town Engineer, Michael O’Grady, presented elected members with the details and maps relating to the laneway at this month’s meeting of Ballina Town Council. He told members that it was his recommendation they proceed with the declaration as a public road as all submissions received were in favour of it.
“I don’t forsee any impediment to the declaration so I am recommending that this proceeds,” he said.
The declaration of the laneway as a public road is in accordance with the National Roads Act, 1993.
Cllr Mark Winters proposed the move, praising the work of the engineer in the matter but warned of the need for good lighting in the area. “Public lighting is key to this as we have to keep in mind the potential for issues with anti-social behaviour.  Good public lighting is essential,” he said.
Cllr Peter Clarke seconded the proposal and echoed the call for effective public lighting.
Generally welcoming the move, Cllr Barry McLoughlin praised the work of the residents in the area and said he was ‘thrilled’ with the move to a public road. “This is fantastic for the area. The people of Convent Hill have put in Trojan work in their area over the years and this will certainly be a positive for them. They should be very proud of themselves and what they have achieved, I congratulate everyone involved,” he said. The final steps to formally deem the laneway a public road are now under way.