Walkway considered from Laois tourist site to Portlaoise

A famous tourist site in Laois could get connected by a safe walkway all the way to the county town of Portlaoise.

The Rock of Dunamase is 8km from Portlaoise town centre, and Laois County Council has confirmed it is "investigating options to provide safe and sustainable connectivity from Portlaoise".

They say they will have a feasibility report on the idea by the Autumn.

The council is about to start work to build a public carpark at the base of the ancient castle site, which they expect will increase visitor numbers to it.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald again raised the idea, in a motion tabled to the May meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

"There is huge potential for this. I brought this up to the Town Team meeting. It would be ideal for families to cycle or walk to the Rock of Dunamase. It is a great amenity for Portlaoise and for Laois. It could be one of the best projects if we could get money nationally," she said.

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"Ballyclider is a huge wide road, there is no need for Compulsory Purchase orders, I really look forward to progress," she added.

Cllr Barry Walsh seconded her motion and suggests getting cash from the Just Transition Fund for phasing out Bord na Móna peat jobs,  or else the Recreation Infrastructure funding.

"The first thing is a feasibility study. That will advise any subsequent funding application," the Director of Services Simon Walton commented.