North Longford road which can be extremely treacherous in adverse weather added to winter roads programme

North Longford Cllr Garry Murtagh is delighted that Longford County Council is to include the stretch of road from Aughnacliffe to Esker Cross as part of the salting gritting schedule in the Winter Roads Programme 2023, under the local authority's three year programme.

Cllr Murtagh commented, “This is something I have been working on relentlessly since being elected in 2019.”

Longford County Council Director of Services Samantha Healy confirmed that the winter maintenance programme will include the L-1039-0.

The winter service period is usually from the middle of October to middle of April, it is not feasible to treat all pubic roads, however it is necessary to create a schedule of route prioritisation. The Winter Service Plan 2023/24 is available for review on the Longford County Council website.

Cllr Murtagh said, “The L-1039-0 is one of the main arteries connecting Longford Town from the north of the county. It is also one of the most elevated stretches of road in the county and during the winter months especially during adverse weather conditions it can be extremely treacherous.

“When you consider the volumes of traffic, not excluding the number of bus routes servicing the area, to and from services such as St Christopher’s School and Day Centre, secondary and national schools, it’s just fantastic to be able to deliver on something that affects the health & safety concerns of so many.”

According to Cllr Murtagh, the exclusion of the L-1039-0 from the Winter Roads Programme 2023 was ‘a contentious issue over the years, as every year there have been countless accidents and near misses’ on the road.

He thanked Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon, Director of Services Samantha Healy and the various engineers for their input.

“When you consider the financial and logistical difficulties involved in adding an additional 12 kilometres of road to an already extensive programme of works, without impacting on other vital services/routes, it is to be commended,” remarked Cllr Murtagh.

Local businessman Brendan McEntee also welcomed the positive news. “It’s absolutely brilliant, the security and peace of mind it means to the local people.

“Even for me here in the Glenview Lounge, to know that customers and staff are able to come relax, enjoy themselves and get home safe it’s just fantastic and it means a lot.”