No sign of footpath that was 'promised' in Laois village

A footpath that was 'promised' in Clonaslee has no installation date in sight.

Laois Fianna Fáíl County Councillor Seamus McDonald has requested the extension of a footpath on the Tullamore Road in Clonaslee.

Cllr McDonald has asked for this footpath to run up to the sewage treatment plant located nearby.

Mr. Rory O’ Callaghan, Senior Executive Engineer with Laois County Council, has said that the current footpath is suitable as it is.

"The village footpaths run to within 25 metres of the 50 km/h speed zone," Mr O'Callaghan said. 

Pictured: The water treatment centre on the Tullamore road, Clonaslee.

"The length of footpath needed to the sewage plant is 150 metres. There is no proposal to provide this footpath. What is the need for it?" he asked.

Cllr McDonald explained that four new houses have been built in the area over the last three years.

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"These houses have no footpaths or lighting," Cllr McDonald said.

"The treatment plant was done there was 12 or 13 years ago, and it's supposed to be one of the most modern treatment plants in Ireland," he said.

There is supposed to be a footpath leading out to it, it is supposed to be an amenity area also. 

If there were a footpath extended out there it would be better still, to accommodate everybody," he said.

"We need funding."

Fellow Fianna Fáil Cllr Paddy Bracken seconded and supported Cllr McDonald's motion.

"It was promised, because that was promised when the plant went in," Cllr Bracken said.

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Mr O'Callaghan asked if it was promised by Irish Water, rather than Laois County Council.

"Regardless of who promised it, the fact is that it isn't there," Cllr Bracken answered.

Cllr McDonald agreed that it is a great amenity and achievement for the area. 

Mr O'Callaghan replied that the current footpath is sufficient.

"There's a footpath on the left hand side going out, 25 metres of path will sort out the houses on that side," he finished.

This motion was tabled at the February sitting of Laois County Council's Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District.

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