Active Travel Scheme for Laois town warmly welcomed

There was unanimous approval for Laois County Council’s Active Travel Scheme for Station Road, Portarlington at a recent council meeting.

The plans came before the latest meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District after going out for public consultation. 

Senior Executive Engineer, Diarmuid Donoghue, said there were no objections or submissions during the consultation phase.  He

The scheme aims to deliver safer pedestrian and cycling infrastructure at Station Road. It includes upgrading footpaths, junction tightening, raised pedestrian crossings, improved paving and lighting and the creation of a School Zone at Presentation Primary School.   

The scheme is designed to be of particular benefit to pedestrians and cyclists, including children walking or cycling to the Presentation Primary School or people travelling to bus stops or the train station.

Mr Donoghue said a zebra crossing on the train station side of the Whitefields Estate and another zebra crossing to assist with access to the girls primary school are part of the scheme. He said the scheme is being funded by the National Transport Authority and no existing parking will be impacted. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran welcomed the scheme. “To be honest with you, I think it should be done everywhere,” she said. “This is what we need everywhere,” she added. 

Fianna Fail Cllr, Paschal McEvoy, described it as a great plan. “It probably should be brought more into the villages around the county,” he remarked. 

Fianna Fail Cllr, Padraig Fleming, agreed that it was “a great plan” and he wished the council well with it. 

Independent Cllr, Ben Brennan, said the plan was a great plan. “I would love to see it come into the small towns and villages,” he said. 

Fine Gael Cllr, Vivienne Phelan, agreed with the councillors and congratulated the council on the design. 

Independent Cllr, Aidan Mullins, echoed the sentiments and complimented Mr Donoghue and his team. He asked for a timeline and was told the work would begin this year. 

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Earlier this year the National Transport Authority(NTA) announced funding of €675,000 for the project. Details of the scheme can be found here.

The scheme was approved by members of the Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.