Sign cleaning sidelined as council prioritises road repairs

Sinn Féin's Stiofán Conaty raised concerns at the recent Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District meeting.

Grimy road signs across the Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District are being left untouched, but only so council staff can concentrate on road repairs.

Senior engineer for the MD, Clinton Mulligan, told local councillors that cleaning signs would divert staff from urgent issues like pothole repairs and road maintenance.

Sinn Féin's Stiofán Conaty raised concerns about dirt-covered signage being a “poor reflection” on the council, insisting responsibility should not fall on local communities.

Mr Mulligan agreed signage is the council’s duty, but warned resources are stretched. “There is a priority list- right now, that priority is potholes,” he said.

Outsourcing the cleaning isn’t viable either due to funding constraints while damaged signs are replaced when possible.

Mr Mulligan though signalled openness to reviewing the worst-affected locations if submitted by councillors.

See next week's Celt for full report.