Laois town's pedestrian upgrade depends on yet to be approved flood defence

A popular pedestrian route's upgrade in Mountmellick depends on the delivery of a long-promised flood relief plan in the town which has yet to be signed off by the Government.

The status of the pedestrian link from the convent bridge to the bridge at Irishtown was outlined at a recent meeting in Laois County Council.

Cllr Paddy Bracken, Fianna Fáil, asked for the update in a motion. He said lighting is needed on the route which is now in poor condition.

“It is used widely by people around the town,” he said.

Diarmaid Donoghue, Senior Executive Engineer,  Active Travel, replied in writing.

“Delivery of the link will be considered in conjunction with the  Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme. The link will also be identified as a key pedestrian route under the Mountmellick Local Transport Plan,” he said.

The reply prompted Cllr Bracken to ask for an update on the flood relief scheme plan.

Donal Brennan, Director of Services, told him that he would seek a written update for the councillor.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live subsequently sought an update from the Office of Public Works on the status of the project which was promised after the big flood of 2017. It said the flood defence could be complete substantially completed by the end of 2026 ‘if deemed viable’. 

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