Residents in Broomfield lose patience over state of roads

Fury at the condition of roads in the Broomfield area between Slane and Collon has been expressed by the local residents' association. Gerard Weldon, secretary of the Broomfield and District Residents' Association, said the continuously worsening condition of roads is totally unacceptable to the local community. "Why should any community have to put up with road conditions that are a danger to road-users and their vehicles for six months or more? he asked. "We in Broomfield and district are not looking for M50 road standards, but we do believe that we are entitled to pothole-free roads. That is all we are asking for in these difficult economic times," he added. He said everyone was only too well aware of the country's commitments as a nation to the EU and IMF. "However, the governments first duty of care is to the citizens of the country. We are not to blame for the collapse of the economy, but unfortunately, in rural Ireland in particular, we are paying a very heavy price," he said. He called on public representatives, Junior Minister Shane McEntee, Deputies Dominic Hannigan and Regina Doherty and the Slane Electoral Area councillors to use their mandate and have these unacceptable road conditions addressed without delay. Mr Weldon said that when the €100 Household Charge was imposed, they were told it would go towards paying for essential services, including public parks, open spaces and leisure amenities, as well as maintenance and cleaning of streets and street lighting. "We were told these facilities will benefit everyone, which, of course, they do not. The people of Broomfield and District do not avail of street maintenance, cleaning or lighting. As for open spaces and leisure amenities, we provide our own. The associations headquarters, Teach Raithneach Heritage and Cultural Centre, is a hive of activity every day of the week, providing activities for all age groups and interests in our community and the wider community also." The chairman said the road leading to Teach Raithneach was "an absolute disgrace by any standard". Mr Weldon asked the county manager to enlighten those responsible for road maintenance of their track record in this regard. "Broomfield and District has been asked by the council to once again represent Meath in the Co-Operation Ireland Awards in the past winners category. We won the All-Ireland title in the heritage category in 2009. "The prevailing road conditions in Broomfield and District are totally unacceptable to the association and community that is expected to put its best foot forward to once again represent Meath on the national stage," he added. A spokesperson for Meath County Council said that the roads in that area were on the programme for repair and work would be carried out as soon as possible.