€1,196,000 under the Government’s July Stimulus Funding for Active Travel and Climate Change Adaptation Measures has been allocated to Laois.
This money will be used to fund the provision of temporary pedestrianisation of Main Street, Portlaoise and also on substantial works on the Main Street in Portarlington.
Minister for State Sean Fleming called it a ‘good new initiative’ and said that other areas in Laois will benefit too.
He said: “Funding under the Climate Change Adaptation goes towards projects at Keyes Cross and Hophall Portlaoise, works in Inchacooley Portarlington and works at Stradbally, Ballyfin, Graiguecullen and Spink.
“All of these projects were submitted to the Government Departments and it is good that funding has been approved to allow Laois County Council to immediately proceed with these projects which will be very beneficial in the various areas.”
While Sinn Fein Councillor Aidan Mullins outlined the new improvements that will be carried out in Portarlington.
He said: “I previously announced the provision of funding for the replacement of footpaths in Portarlington from a rebate from the Council’s Insurers IPB. The total sum involved is over €350,000.
“The good news today is the further confirmation of additional funding for Portarlington of €120,000 to upgrade cycle lanes to schools, provide more bicycle parking, install traffic calming ramps in Railway Mews, St. Brigid’s Square, the access road to Lough Gate and Droughill. Residents of these areas have been asking for these for a while.
“I put down a Notice of Motion last year looking for the installation of a new footpath linking the new Boy’s school on Canal Road to Lea Road. €80,000 is now being provided for this purpose including a cycle lane.”
Offaly County Councillor Eddie Fitzpatrick also talked about some of the improvements that will take place in Portarlington and the surrounding areas.
He said: “Portarlington town will see €25,000 for a raised pedestrian
crossing at Kilmalogue where the existing crossing currently is
situated which will slow the traffic and make this area safer for the
students who attend Colaiste Iosagain and residents who use this
crossing on the R420.
“Cloneygowan Village has been awarded 25,000 euro for a new raised
pedestrian crossing which again will provide safety for Children
crossing to the local National School and also reduce speed in the
Village this is an issue that I have raised with Offaly county council
for a long number of years.
“Clonbullogue Village has been awarded €45,000 for the construction
of a new footpath and Pedestrian Crossing between the National School
and the GAA Grounds.
“There is a further €50,000 provided for the replacement of end of
life Feedback signs at schools and Villages
“Edenderry town will receive funding for various works within the town
which will help in all aspects of safety this funding should provide
safety for all who travel our roads and reduce danger in our towns and
villages.”
