Cllr's road sweeping programme has broom for improvement - French

At the October meeting of Meath County Council, Trim Independent Cllr Noel French tabled a motion calling for an expansion of the council’s road sweeping programme, including a proposal to begin sweeping residential housing estates and to provide greater flexibility around local events and festivals.

Highlighting the growing need for improved services, Cllr French said the current system, while effective, does not go far enough to meet the expectations of residents, especially those paying the Local Property Tax.

“We need to give better services for those who pay the Local Property Tax,” he stated. “Neighbouring councils in Westmeath, Dublin and Kildare also manage a large number of housing estates, yet they’re able to provide at least one annual sweep in those areas. I regularly get asked about street sweeping in residential estates across Meath.”

Cllr French’s motion also emphasised the importance of supporting local voluntary efforts, such as those led by Tidy Towns committees and Residents’ Associations. He proposed that the sweeper schedule be made more flexible to accommodate one-off events like festivals or competitions, which often require towns and villages to be in top condition.

“While the Municipal District Engineers do a good job in allocating sweepers, there have been delays in awarding the sweeping contracts in recent years with some tenders not finalised until mid-year. This impacts our ability to prepare towns and villages for important events like Tidy Towns judging or Pride of Place,” he noted.

Reflecting on improvements over the past decade, he acknowledged the expansion of sweeping services since the abolition of Town Councils, when only Navan, Trim, and Kells received regular sweeps. “It’s now ten years later. It’s time for another step forward,” he said.

Cllr French clarified that his motion was not a criticism of existing council services, which he described as “very good,” but a call to “aspire to better.”

In response, the Council stated that the deployment of road sweepers remains an operational issue managed by Municipal District Engineers. While acknowledging the contribution of community volunteers, the Council warned that extending services to housing estates would negatively impact the current sweeping programme for urban areas and public spaces.

However, the Council confirmed that, where possible and with sufficient notice, efforts would be made to accommodate one-off events.

Cllr French concluded by requesting that the motion be referred to the relevant Special Policy Committee for further consideration.