New footpaths in the pipeline for Laois town

A survey will take place on the condition of footpaths in Mountmellick to determine recommendations for repairs and costs.

Fianna Fáil County Councillor Paddy Bracken tabled a motion that a survey be carried out, with a view of gaining extra funding to carry out a programme of repairs. 

"It's a huge issue across the Municipal District, in terms of the footpaths being in very poor repair," Cllr Bracken said.

"If we are going to go forward looking for additional funding, there is no point in saying that we don't know the condition our footpaths are in.

"Whether it's five kilometre footpaths or two kilometre footpaths, we should be able to put a programme together of the necessary work that is required, footpaths in estates and everywhere else are in very poor repair," he said.

"The amount of money that we have allocated as Councillors wouldn't even cover a survey on this.

"I think that it's very important that we do something on this. If we are going to pursue the incoming Minister for extra funding, we need to do some groundwork on the work in the district that needs to be done," Cllr Bracken finished.

Mr Rory O'Callaghan, Senior Executive Engineer with Laois County Council, replied that the Area Office will carry out a footpath condition survey in Mountmellick.

"On the completion of the survey all recommendations for repairs will be listed and costed," Mr O'Callaghan finished.

This matter arose at the December sitting of Laois County Council's Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District.