Meeting with Padraic Philbin on 2nd July2008

Meeting with Padraic Philbin on 2nd July2008

A meeting took place on 2nd of July 2008 with Padraic Philbin, Area Engineer for Newport Town and my self Tom Chambers. We met in the newly refurbished offices in Newport at approximately 10am. We had a chat about what we were to do and then proceeded to have a walkabout in the town environs.
• We looked at several areas and Padraic and I agreed the areas that needed attention he gave me a commitment, money allowing, of the areas he could make changes to this year. It transpires money for remedial work has already being spent, but the money could be found for these remedial works.
• The ramp to the viaduct was one area highlighted but unfortunately money is not available for this at present, unless funds are made available this work will not be done till next year.
• The grill surrounding the trees on Main Street was highlighted.
• The ramp on to the Main Street was highlighted and is to be enlarged to enable easier access for disabled parking and all pedestrian crossings to be painted in a highly visible colour.
• The drop down kerb and the pedestrian crossing, opposite the hotel raised concern. Padraic said improvements for access were to be made.
• George’s Street raised concerns as access is not viable from midway down on the left hand side going down.
• Disabled Parking bay will be relocated to lower George’s Street and the crossing by the telephone box will be widened to its appropriate width and painted for visibility.
• Quay Road (North Side) speed ramps are not accessible for wheelchairs due to the design and layout of the footpath and are located to close to kerbs this was to be looked at but due to forthcoming sewerage works due to commence this will be at a later date.
• Ramps in Seaview Park are not accessible due to the design and layout of the footpath and causing distress to residents as it is at the moment.
• The dropped kerb and crossing of Quay Road (South side) needs attention.
• Post Office disabled bays are not signed or marked out correctly.
• The Access ramp at Canon Killeen Park needs attention.
• A need for a Footpath is required from Canon Killeen Park to the health center and from the Health Centre to the Post Office but Padraic couldn’t comment on this.



He said if the money could be made available for the ramp onto the viaduct these works could be undertaken this year. He gave a commitment that the other highlighted works would be done this year.


On the 26th May 2009 I again met with Padraic and he said that the money was available for the viaduct and all other items outstanding. This work was due to be completed by the end of the year. I am very disappointed that none of the above has been carried out.

Finally, he permitted me to carry out my own inspection on the new Newport Town Council offices and forward report to Kevin Cooke, Disability access officer for Mayo Co. Council.

Regards,
Tom Chambers