The January Blarney Joint Policing Forum was well attended and dealt with many local issues including unsafe road markings, signage issues, speeding and overhanging branches. More than thirty people attended including Cork County Council Representative Kevin O’Donovan, Blarney Community Garda Sean O’Dwyer, Inspector Gary McPolin, Sgt Fergal O’Donovan, Garda Margaret Murphy, Blarney Chamber of Commerce Chairman Damian Boylan, Blarney Tidy Towns Chairman Tom MacGrath and local Councillors Kevin Conway and Bob Ryan. The forum. which was chaired by John Henchion. first dealt with issues that had arisen from previous meetings before dealing with matters arising from the floor. Amongst the issues of current concern raised were speed on Station Road, Killowen and Faggot Hill; the new lane priority on the approach to Blarney on the Mallow Road; the issue of turning right from Station Road CRoss (which will be dealt with by way of a yellow box as soon as the divy in the middle of the road has been eradicated); the dyke from Forest’s Farm to Murphy’s Farm which is full and causing flooding on the road, and potholes on the road past the Blarney Hotel (former Ramada). Inspector Gary McPolin addressed the meeting, thanked everyone for coming, and suggested that a comprehensive list of problem areas was drawn up and a full inspection be undertaken of all areas, with all stakeholders (Councillors, Gardai, NRA, Cork City & County Council and the Garda Traffic Unit) in attendance to see what can be done. He explained that many of these issues have only now been brought to his attention, and to give him time to look at same and see what can be done. Community Garda Sean O’Dwyer further addressed the meeting, thanked Blarney Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing sponsorship of BART which has been instrumental in solving several crimes since its inception two year ago, and advised people to install a carbon monoxide alarm in their own homes, and in the homes of elderly relatives. Tom MacGrath, Blarney Tidy Towns Chairman, concluded by paying tribute to the new Gateway workers and asked that thanks be taken back to CCC with regard to same. The next meeting will take place at the end of April 2015 and will be locally advertised in The Muskerry News.
