Laois service for people with disabilities appeals for path to safety

A service that provides vital help to people with intellectual disabilities and their families has appealed to Laois public representatives to have a footpath extended to their day care centre in Mountrath.

The Muiríosa Foundation Laois Family Support Services provides a respite facility and services to children and adults with varying levels of intellectual disability and their families. The facility has operated in Mountrath for nearly two decades.

The manager of the service has told Cllr James Kelly that the organisation provides a wide level of services to our clients including their full participation in society based on their needs and abilities. However, they have informed the councillor that they need help from Laois County Council.

"To assist our client’s experience as full a life as possible we would be grateful for your support and assistance in having the current footpath extended out to our premises along with the addition of adequate street lighting.

"This provision would greatly enhance safe access to the town for our clients and staff, many of which are wheelchair users. Currently we have to walk along the road, which we all agree is unsafe particularly for our clients.

"We would very much appreciate your support, help in this matter, and look forward to meeting you in the near future to discuss further what needs to happen to provide this vital infrastructure," said a letter sent to Cllr Kelly.

The Independent councillor has raised the issue with senior Laois County Council management and other councillors at meeting in October. That was followed by a site meeting with the service involving council staff. He raised it again at the November meeting in County Hall.

"A new footpath of just 150 metres is needed so that their clients some who are in wheelchairs and others who are able bodied can make their way down the town in a safe manner. The Ballyfin Road is a very busy road and is a link to Mountmellick and Tullamore and into the west," he said.

He added that the house has a list of up to 50 clients with 5/6 on site every day.

Cllr Kelly said met the Laois County Council Active Travel Officer and the centre manager on site and a commitment has been given to carry out a road safety survey and cost the works required.

He told the most recent meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District that he hopes this will be delivered upon due to the need and the danger.