*Whitegate. Photograph: PL Chadwick
Whitegate’s street lighting will be strengthened in 2019.
Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Pat Burke requested an additional street light be provided on the approach road into Whitegate over the coming months and the Fine Gael representative received confirmation from Clare County Council that it would be provided. Cllr Joe Cooney seconded the motion. “Just a lamp or lantern is needed, the infrastructure is there,” Cllr Burke said.
“It is proposed to improve lighting at this location during 2019. Works will include upgrading of the existing lighting standards and provision of additional lampposts. These will be located along the boundary of the GAA grounds and will illuminate both sides of the road,” senior executive engineer Tom Mellett outlined.
Cllr Burke’s request comes three months after he told The Clare Echo that there was no issue with lighting in the East Clare village following a remark from his Fine Gael colleague Mary Howard.
Howard at a meeting of the Rural Development SPC in late 2018 highlighted a lack of activity in rural communities over the winter months and stated if you passed Whitegate at night ‘there isn’t a light on’. Speaking to The Clare Echo before Christmas, Pat said, “I wasn’t aware of the comment but Mary Howard is welcome to Whitegate anytime where she will find plenty of lights on I can assure you. We’re performing well compared to other villages”.
