'Sick and tired' - Laois exasperation over backing for greenway

Efforts to get the first Laois greenway off the ground are being met with 'obstacle after obstacle' according to a Laois TD who says he is 'sick and tired' of the lack of support.

Willie Aird raised the issue of the project that would start on the Coolnamona bog near Portlaoise at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development on October 22.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

"We have to prioritise areas that have plans for greenways but have received no funding yet. I find this very difficult," the Fine Gael TD told them.

He said he has raised the issue directly with Minister Deputy Calleary since being elected in 2024 but progress is slow and money hasn't materialised.

"When the grants come out, we (Laois) usually get them last, after everyone else... I am trying to get a greenway off the ground," he said.

Dep Aird said State-owned companies with a big footprint in Laois have to get on board. 

"There has to be more joined-up thinking on priorities on the part of Coillte and Bord na Móna. I am trying to get Bord na Móna to the table for a natural, proposed greenway that we have from Portlaoise.  I am passionate about this," he said.

He told the meeting that the route would follow an old rail line used for moving peat off the bogs.

"I am meeting obstacle after obstacle. I am really sick and tired of it. I am sorry to say this in public, but I am sick of it," he said.

Dep Aird thanked Laois County Council for coming on board, but all agencies need to come in and work for the greater good.

"That is all I am saying. It is not for me and it is not about votes. It is about leaving something for the next generation of people," said the TD.

The meeting was convened to discuss Review of Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025