Report Paul Murphy
A series of questions about early learning programmes, pedestrian crossing and ramps were put to officials at the recent Navan Municipal District meeting. Referring to the Government’s recently-launched Early Learning and Childcare Capital Programme Sinn Fein Cllr Eddie Fennessy said the programme sought to acquire buildings to be used for the provision of childcare. He said that according to the relevant Minister city and county childcare committees would be task with delivering the programme across the State. He wanted to know if such a committee would be set up in Navan and also asked when it would become operational.
Officials replied that these committees were established, funded and overseen by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality with programme management and oversight provided by Pobal and operated as independent entities on a countywide basis. They said that Meath County Council had no statutory role in the establishment, governance or operation of such a committee. Meath County Childcare Committee was already established and operational and served the entire county, including Navan.
Cllr Francis Deane asked if there were any plans to address the safety concerns for pedestrians trying to cross the road at the Andy Connolly Roundabout from the Mullaghboy Road and also from the Moat Road crossing over to the Applegreen fuel station at Navan Retail Park. Officials replied that options were being considered for pedestrian connectivity from the Moathill junction to the Andy Connolly Roundabout and Applegreen with the object of progressing the scheme subject to availability of funding. Pedestrian connectivity on the arms of the Andy Connolly Roundabout are also being examined. However, there is complexity of traffic arrangements at the roundabout and there are challenges involved. A solution might involve substantial design and investment.
Cllr Eddie Fennessy has asked officials to construct a pedestrian crossing at Abbey Road opposite the bus stop and car park behind Navan Town Hall. Officials replied that while there was no provision for such a facility in this year’s programme of works, they would add it to a list of requested works. Cllr Fennessy also asked to have Fitzherbert Court Estate to be included on the 2026 road resurfacing
programme. Officials replied that the estate is included in the resurfacing programme this year. A ranking process is in force and the estates needing the greatest volume of repairs would come first. Further updates will be given by the Navan MD engineer.
Cllr Francis Deane asked for an upgrade of ramps on Connolly Avenue. Officials replied that the location would be included in the programme of inspection and assessment. He also asked for a ramp with a matt finish to be installed on the entrance to Russell Court on Proudstown Road. A traffic calming policy has been agreed by the council and this location has been added to the list for assessment.
Cllr Alan Lawes asked for the Priory Estate Johnstown to be taken in charge by the council. He also asked for road and footpath works to start “in the interest of public safety”. The council said that this estate is on the list for taking in charge. They said that a number of inspections had taken place there to assess remedial works. However, there was no bond or cash deposit held against The Priory and a cost of these works is being drawn up. A report on this will come up at the June meeting. A budget provision will have to be identified.
