Timeline revealed for Portarlington footpath construction

A timeline has been revealed for footpath construction works at the Portarlington railway bridge.

The bridge allows road traffic to traverse the railway tracks and connects Corrig Wood to the Railway Bar and surrounding area at the southern edge of Portarlington. There is currently a grassy verge on the side of the road which is being used by pedestrians.

Railway bridges are maintained by Irish Rail, and Laois County Council must obtain a license to construct a footpath on the bridge.

At a recent meeting of Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District, the council revealed that it plans to begin works on a footpath on the Corrig Road and Station Road while awaiting the license to build on the adjoining bridge.

Cllr Aidan Mullins told the meeting that he was “happy enough” with this update from the council’s roads section, but noted: “I just feel that Irish Rail are not prioritising it.”

Council Senior Executive Engineer Tom Drennan clarified: “We’re in a position where they’ve offered a license agreement, but it’s subject to liability insurances that we basically have to increase to comply with the conditions of their license agreement. So I’m working with that in the background at the minute as well. But just for the here and now, we can get a section of the works commenced.”

The council plans to commence work on the Corrig Road footpath in the fourth quarter of 2026. It will progress to construction of the footpath on Station Road in 2027. Efforts to secure the license from Irish Rail will be ongoing while construction begins.

Mr Drennan noted that the Municipal District office will also be engaging with the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel department on a design for the next phase of the Station Road works, which will encompass the area up to the Spar roundabout and beyond.

Cllr Mullins noted that, when finished, the works will be a “great link between the town and Corrig,” particularly in the interests of active travel.