If ever there’s a need for good quality footpaths, it’s at primary schools in urban areas.
And at last week’s Portlaoise Municipal District meeting in Laois County Council, the issue was raised for the reinstatement of the footpath near Scoil Mhuire in Abbeyleix.
A motion was put forward by Cllr John Joe Fennelly that the council reinstate 100 metres on the Ballyroan Road in the town near the school.
“I can’t understand that when the broadband services took up the footpath, they just put down a gravel path.
“It wasn’t a fantastic path (in the first place) but it needs to be done straight away.”
Cllr Fennelly was supported by Cllr Barry Walsh. “I’ve been contacted by a number of parents,” added Cllr Walsh.
“It needs to be done as a matter of urgency.” The council response stated that: “The Portlaoise MD office will liaise with the utilities contractor that carried out the works at this location and make arrangements for the permanent reinstatement of the footpath”.
Elsewhere, Cllr Fennelly got assurances from Laois County Council that road markings at the Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit and Health Centre on the Ballinakill Road will be refreshed.
Cllr Fennelly was also told that the Council have prepared a Road Safety Impact Assessment at Sweetview in Abbeyleix.
SEE ALSO – Long overlooked Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise on course to get its roundabouts at last