Residents of housing estate in Athgarvan criticise long-running construction works

Criticism was also levelled at the contractor responsible for the works

Residents of the Mountain View area in Athgarvan have claimed that they "feel abandoned" by Kildare County Council (KCC) over works taking place nearby on behalf of the local authority.

Local residents say they are frustrated by long-running issues such as access to and from houses, a lack of lighting and difficulties with bin collections.

Fine Gael councillor Tracey O'Dwyer has been working with residents regarding the issues.

Cllr O'Dwyer told the Leader: "I feel very sorry for the residents in Mountain View, whose daily lives have been completely impacted throughout the duration of this project.

"I believe some of the disruption was avoidable with early and meaningful engagement."

She added: "As the project enters the final stages, I hope every effort is made to ensure that Mountain View estate, and that the houses in Mountain View are left in an acceptable condition."

Mountain View resident Jimmy Williams claimed he has experienced issues regarding bin collection, and that his bins hadn't been collected for four weeks at one point. 

He also claimed that his mother had suffered a fall as a result of the lack of lighting present in the estate in the evening time.

"It is pitch black at night," he explained: "It's like you're back in the 1920s, when there was no electricity. It's absolutely crazy."

Jimmy said that the situation is so bad, that he has had to walk his dog while wearing a headlamp.

He added: "Some residents are afraid to go out [at night] now, especially those who may use mobility scooters or walkers."

Jimmy further said that it is 'nearly impossible' to enter and exit the estate at present.

Another couple who live in the estate, Seamus and Rose Coogan, who also told the Leader that the works are causing 'a massive disruption' to the area.

They also criticised what they claim is a lack of communication with residents from KCC and the contractor.

They also cited bin collection issues and lighting, and as a result of the works, they also have issues travelling through the area as a result of the works.

Rose also claimed that some bedroom windows, including hers, are being filled with red light from a nearby traffic light in the estate at night-time, which in turn is keeping residents awake.

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, also criticised the lack of lighting in the area.

They also claimed: "It seems like no one wants to take the blame."

The resident further backed up claims of access issues and bin collections issues in the region.

They also voiced concerns regarding dust being produced by the works, which has led them to be wary of opening the windows to their home.

Kildare County Council has been asked for a comment on this article.