Phase 1 of Triogue Way – Portlaoise’s latest walking and cycling trail – was officially opened in April.
This week saw the official opening of the Triogue Way (Phase 1), providing a direct walking and cycling link from the Portlaoise Southern Circular Road to the People’s Park.
The route starts at the Southern Circular Road beside the Educate Together, Maryborough and Gaelscoil primary schools.
It will eventually extend to James Fintan Lalor Avenue and later on through Linear Park and onto Greenmill Lane close to the ‘old’ Dunnes Stores.
The project is in keeping with Portlaoise’s designation as a Low Carbon Town as Laois County Council aims to enable and to support more sustainable travel patterns throughout Portlaoise.
The development is specifically targeted to support and promote a safe cycling and walking culture in the Portlaoise urban environment whilst also bringing additional amenity value to the Town.
Performing the official opening, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Councillor Conor Bergin highlighted that “the Portlaoise 2040 – A Vision for Portlaoise policy document, approved by Elected Members in 2018, provides a basis for town development against which Portlaoise can effectively fulfil its role as the Principal Town for County Laois.
“Taken in conjunction with existing linkages, this development provides a 1.5km, largely off-road, walking and cycling link from the Portlaoise Southern Circular to Greenmill Lane.”
John Mulholland, Chief Executive of Laois County Council, commented that: “in order to achieve more sustainable travel patterns and reduce car dependency we need to collectively enhance the permeability of our towns“.
“Laois County Council is striving to support a reduction in car dependency, particularly for local trips in and around Portlaoise Town.
“I encourage increased and regular use of this new infrastructure and I am confident that it provides for more sustainable modes of transport to and from the town centre, to schools and to and from the various residential centres in and around Portlaoise.”
At the official opening Simon Walton, Director of Services with Laois County Council, expressed his: “appreciation for the expert input from local contractors, Killeen Construction, in delivering the project”.
“I also note that this project results from very effective, collaborative engagement with Elected Members and with the Portlaoise Town Team.
“In particular, the new Town Team Active Travel Sub-Group, chaired by Ann Fingleton, will seek to ensure regular and intensified use of this new amenity.”
