Additional lighting sought for walking area in Leitrim

There was a call for additional lighting beside a walking area in Cloone, at the recent meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District.

A motion was submitted by Cllr Paddy O'Rourke (FF) asking for “additional lighting to be put in place below Cloone village toward the entry to Bóthar na Naomh, Gorvagh road, as this is a much used walking area and is contributing greatly to the recreational amenity of the area.”

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr O'Rourke asked, “is there a difference in the cost of solar and regular lighting?”

Responding, District Engineer Emma Donohue told the councillor that “for a scheme in Carrigallen, there was a similar quote for both solar and regular lighting.”

Cllr O'Rourke emphasised the need for “a safe passage at the end of the village to the start of the walking area.”

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A written reply from the Roads section of the council stated, “Leitrim County Council do not provide public lighting in areas that are not within the urban speed limits. The lighting up of any rural area is subject to an ecological assessment of the effects of lighting in a rural area.

“Of key concern will be nocturnal species and in particular, bat species within the landscape. Should lighting up this area be found to be acceptable from an ecological point of view, the local community could apply for funding such as CLAR or ORIS funding for the provision of lights in this location,” the reply concluded.

* Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme