A much requested footpath appears likely to finally happen in an area of Portarlington between Railway Station and Corrig Wood.
Independent Councillor Aidan Mullins has been raising the need for a footpath at the area since 2019 and this was his third motion on the matter.
But after his previous requests fell on deaf ears, it appears the involvement of Uisce Eireann in a project in a nearby area will result in the construction of the new path.
Engineer Philip McVeigh said: “Laois County Council has received a recent Road Opening Licence application from Uisce Eireann for the installation of a new watermain between the Railway Station and Corrig Wood in Portarlington.
“Laois County Council can progress a new footpath, associated drainage and street lighting once Uisce Eireann have concluded their upgrade works in this area.”
In response, Cllr Mullins said: “This is my third motion on this and Laois County Council previously said they wouldn’t do it because the area wasn’t a ‘trip attractor’.
“I welcome this but I will probably be on a walking frame by the time it is actually done,” he joked.
Cllr Mullins added: “I’ve been asking the Council for some time to install a footpath from the Railway Bar up to Corrig Wood under the Active Travel Programme, but the NTA would not provide funding.
“So I am glad now that this will finally happen, hopefully sooner rather than later.”
In a second motion, Cllr Mullins asked, for the fourth time, that Laois County Council take in charge of the Glen Estate in Kilnacourt in Portarlington.
In response, Evelyn Brownrigg in Planning said: “We have written to the developer requesting him to finalise the documentation required for taking in charge but to date we have not received a response.
“Therefore, in light of this, we will arrange to have the as built drawing prepared in house with a view to taking in charge The Glen.”
Cllr Mullins was deeply unhappy with this response and said that someone has ‘taken their eye off the ball’ on the matter.
He said: “This is the fourth motion that I have had in relation to this matter.
“I received a response on February 21, 2024, almost a year ago, and the answer said that in March of last year, they would prepare the ‘as built drawings. It never happened.
“I am actually ashamed to have to go back to the resident’s group with this answer.
“I don’t understand and I ask that this is followed up immediately.”
Finally, Cllr Mullins asked that the Council improve traffic safety at the junction beside O’Dempsey’s GAA pitch as you travel towards Portarlington and Killenard.
He said: “This is a blind bend going straight across the road and you can’t see.
“If the hedge was cut or additional signage was put up, that would help.”
Engineer Philip McVeigh said Laois County Council will consider the location for a Safety Scheme application.
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