State of Mallow’s Annabella roundabout ‘not good enough’

THE condition of the Annabella Roundabout in Mallow has once again come under the spotlight, after one county councillor pointed out that all was still not exactly rosy in the garden.

After it was realigned earlier this year the centre of the roundabout was replanted around newly erected bold red lettering, spelling out the word ‘Mallow’ with the aim of turning it into a ‘ blooming marvellous’ floral display.

However, the result has been less than inspiring, with many locals taking to social media to express their disappointed at its condition, saying that the flowers looked more like unsightly weeds.

At the September Kanturk/ Mallow committee meeting, Cllr Timmy Collins asked, what, if anything, was being done to improve its appearance

“When is the contractor going to do something about it? We were told that it was being dealt with, but it’s getting a bit late in the year to start planting now,” he said.

Cllr Gearoid Murphy (FF) said it was “not good enough” that such a prominent location should look so neglected.

“While the dry weather may have affected plant growth, the condition of the roundabout is simply not good enough,” he said.

In response, senior council engineer Jim Moloney admitted there were “issues” with the roundabout, caused in part by the fact that the contractor appointed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) had not been properly maintaining the plants.

“Another contractor was brought in. However, this coincided with the very dry weather over the summer and, unfortunately many of the new plants failed,” said Mr Moloney.

“TII has informed us that replanting will take place over the autumn into the designated season for replanting. I have sought an update on when and how that will happen and am awaiting an update from them. I hope to have more information for members at our October meeting,” he added.