Laois County Council is planning to considerably improve footpaths and cycle lanes in Portlaoise town next year, as well as develop a cycle network plan for the whole county.
At the December meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald proposed a motion calling on the council to provide a footpath/cycle lane on the Main Road at Ballyclyder.
“This is a huge opportunity for us, as that area is used for cycling by locals and families and people going for a walk. It’s ideal,” she said.
Supporting the motion, Cllr Thomasina Connell said that she was keen to get cycle lanes wherever they are.
In a written response to the motion from Paul McLoughlin, senior engineer, it was said that the council is progressing a targeted suite of projects within the town of Portlaoise.
This will deliver considerable improvements to existing footpath/cycle facilities, including on the N77 Abbeyleix Road, Father Brown Avenue, Dublin Road.
Additionally, the council will be engaging with the National Transport Authority in early 2022 for the development of a Laois County Cycle Network Plan that will identify opportunities for the continued development and improvement of cycling infrastructure within the county and linking to adjoining counties.
The proposal of this motion will be included as part of this process.
