Local Concerns

For ages, there has been talk about putting up gates to the lane at the back of the houses on our side of the road. Progress on this has been glacial. The right of way in the lane was extinguished after years of painstaking discussions.

Then someone insisted that they had to be electric gates so she didn’t have to get out of her car to open them. I am saying nothing but I will let you imagine, gentle reader, my feelings about this car and electric gate enthusiast. Electric gates are a lot more expensive. And they need a power source and more maintenance. More humming and hawing. And most people don’t keep cars in the sheds/garages at the back of the garden and some people who live on the road don’t have cars at all.

Agreement was hammered out that the B&B at the top of the road and student accommodation at the end would provide electricity to power the gates. Another lengthy and painstaking process and though definitely a good outcome, there was still a hefty sum to be paid per household for the actual installation of the gates. I assumed getting agreement on this would take a long time.

So did our neighbour up the road. He is an impatient man and he has tired of waiting. He has taken matters into his own hands. He’s ordered the gates. He’s going to pay €10,000 for them and people will have to give him money to get the fobs. It’s slightly high-handed and I see shoals ahead but, on the whole, I am pleased. As I said to Mr. Waffle, the important thing is that nobody must ever know that we knew in advance.

Will I keep you posted on Gategate lads?