Council hears Windmill Road at breaking point
“IT’S like being in a prison, and it always seems to be someone else’s problem”.
The words of one resident of Windmill Road, Drogheda, making a special presentation to the Drogheda members of Louth County Council last week, on the serious parking and traffic issues they are suffering.
In the 15-minute submission, details were outlined of two recent cases of ambulances not being able to attend to people in houses there, despite the hospital being literally yards from their home.
A petition was also handed in,with hundreds of signitures from residents.
“Unfortunately, one women had a miscarriage, and the emergency services were unable to get near her because of the parking congestion, and another neighbour had breathing difficulties and the ambulance couldn’t help him either,” explained resident Caroline Gormley, who has lived there for 15 years.
“We want a commitment from all parties involved that it will be addressed, and the option of resident–only parking examined. It needs to be taken seriously, and a meeting with the HSE and Louth County Council to be organised as a matter of urgency.”
Sinn Fein councillor Joanne Byrne challenged Senior Executive Willie Walsh on the lack of movement on such a previously agreed meeting.
“We had this exact conversation at the special meeting on parking in the town, and it was agreed the council would engage with the HSE,” she said. Mr Walsh admitted he had not approached hospital management, as he didn’t feel they would engage.
“I didn’t make contact, no,” he said. “I’m not sure it would do much good, however, I will make the effort, although I can’t guarantee they will agree. I can’t force them.”