Laois wheelchair users forced onto busy road as cars block footpath
Mountrath councillor calls for parking bollards near health centre
A Laois County Councillor has called for urgent action in Mountrath, where wheelchair users and parents with buggies are forced to walk on a busy road due to illegal parking on footpaths.
Independent Mountrath Cllr James Kelly tabled a motion calling for parking bollards adjacent to a footpath opposite to Mountrath’s health centre.
The Cllr presented a photograph from recent weeks, where a wheelchair user was unable to safely use the footpath due to the unsafe parking of cars.
The District Office replied that they will cost for the provision of bollards on the footpath, but highlighted that there is no budget available for these works.
“The elected member may consider providing discretionary funding for the works,” the office replied.
Cllr Kelly thanked the Council for their reply, yet highlighted that this was not enough.
“Laois County Council is in charge of this footpath, they have responsibility because they haven’t made that footpath safe,” Cllr Kelly said.
“Cars are reversing onto the paths and parking on them, it’s a major safety issue. Wheelchair users, people with mobility aids and parents with buggies are often forced on to busy roads,” the Cllr argued.
“This activity is illegal in many places as footpaths are for pedestrians. If it has to go to it, I will take a look at my discretionary funding and see what the costings are.
“I'll commit to getting this project over the line. We need to get it done,” Cllr Kelly finished.
Rathdowney Cllr John King suggested that the Council ask the health board if they could assist in funding such works.
“It’s no harm to ask the question. I'm surprised if they don't come up with some type of support. We got it in the past,” Cllr King said.
The motion was seconded by Cllr Conor Bergin, and supported by Cllr Paddy Bracken.
This motion was tabled at the June sitting of Laois County Council’s Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District.