Long-awaited works on new footpath and cycle lane in Laois moves to next stage

The next phase of construction on a new footpath and cycle lane in Mountmellick is about to get underway.

Work started in May 2025 on providing a footpath and cycle lane, as well as street lights, at Smith's Field in Mountmellick. The route will create an official shortcut from Kirwan Park to College Avenue.

The work is part of a major renovation of Smith's Field by Mountmellick United FC and Laois County Council.

The second phase of the works will commence as of Wednesday, January 21 and they are expected to continue until Friday,  April 24. 

The footpath improvement works are being carried out at the Smith's Field running track.

Laois County Council have advised that temporary traffic management arrangements will be in place throughout the duration of the works at the L82051 College Avenue through to the L82038 Cullenwood. 

The traffic management arrangements will operate from 8am to 6pm. 

Laois County Council have confirmed that these traffic management arrangements relate to pedestrians only and there will be pedestrian diversions around the area of the works. 

The council said that there should be no impact on the residents.

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Laois County Council bought almost 10 acres of the field in 2024 from Mountmellick Parish for €250,000. Up to 26 houses are to be built on 2 acres of the site.

The council also intends to install a new playground and multi-use games areas as well as a carpark at the site. 

Mountmellick United FC has planning permission and €350,000 in funding to build a multi-use floodlit astroturf pitch, a lit circular walkway, and a new footbridge over the Owenass River connecting to their Conor Davis Park grounds.

The regeneration of Smith's Field has been listed as a priority of the Mountmellick Town Centre First Plan. The Town Team hopes to add natural play areas and woodland clusters, as well as a bike trail, seating and signage, to compliment the new path.

The Town Regeneration team told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that they "hope to have landscape/urban architecture consultants procured by early Q2 2026 and a Masterplan developed for Smith’s field and finalised over the summer with the Part 8 to progress before the end of the year."

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