Community safety concerns grow as vandalism leaves Leitrim road without lighting

Ballinamore Municipal District has been informed that, following the vandalism of solar lights on Golf Links Road, there is currently no funding available for the installation of replacements.

Cllr Gary Prior asked Ballinamore M.D. to look at options for lighting along the Golf Links road in Ballinamore, and if possible, to extend the connection from the Town Supply or replace the existing broken solar lighting to a new type of solar lighting supply.

“This is a very popular walking route on the Edge of Ballinamore which runs along the Shannon Erne Waterways and leads out to Leitrim’s only Golf Course,” Cllr Prior said.

“The Golf Links Road is a 30 km/h route and is used by parents with young children and Elderly people out for a walk and popular route with runners and cyclists.

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“I am asking the Council to immediately address the situation with the broken lights as the Autumn and Winter weather and the long dark evenings are upon us,” Cllr Prior concluded.

Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn submitted a motion alongside Cllr Prior’s, requesting an update on the broken lights.

A reply from the Roads department explained that solar lights were installed along this route but were vandalised. The Municipal District discretionary budget doesn’t allow for new public lighting in this area. 

“If a funding stream becomes available, whether it’s community driven or municipal driven, we can consider this scheme again,” the reply continued.

District engineer Darragh O’Boyle recommended that the Town Team apply for funding through the ORIS scheme, with the Council providing assistance in the process.

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