No money in big State fund for Laois footpath for people with disabilities

A multi-million euro walking and cycling fund has not been be tapped into to provide pedestrian access for people with disabilities in Mountrath.

That’s what Cllr James Kelly, Independent, was told when he asked if Laois County Council could avail of the Active Travel Fund which saw €3.3 million come to Laois in 2023.

In a motion tabled at a recent meeting, Cllr Kelly called on the Council to install an extension of the existing footpath on the Ballyfin Road to the Muiriosa Foundation Ard Erin facility to enhance safe access to the town for their clients and staff.

Cllr Kelly said he had already met with council officials at the site to show what is needed on what is a very busy road where motorists are driving over the speed limit.

“It is a respite facility for children and adults. It would greatly enhance access. They are walking on the road and there are wheelchair users. It is very unsafe. We have to get funding. People are in fear of their lives having to walk on the road,” he said.

He was backed by Cllr Conor Bergin, Fine Gael, who said the clients and staff need to be able to have access to the town via footpath. “It is a basic necessity,” he said.

Paul McLoughlin, Senior Engineer, replied in writing to an issue which Cllr Kelly raised previously with the local authority.

“There is no current funding allocation available under the NTA Active Travel Funding for this location. Alternative funding will have to be sourced and secured in order for the works requested to be progressed. Should a source of funding become available the Road Design section in conjunction with the Municipal District office will make the necessary arrangements for same,” he said.

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