The poor state of footpaths in housing estates across Laois is leaving people in a dangerous situation, where they cannot leave their homes.
That is according to Fianna Fáil Councillor Catherine Fitzgerald, who this week asked that Laois County Council proveide funding exclusively for footpaths in the Budget for 2025.
“The biggest issue I have now, in an urban area, is footpaths,” Cllr Fitzgerald said.
“We have lovely new walkways and cycling lanes, but I’m talking about housing estates that are 40 and 50 years old.
“I’m asking for a very specific fund, just for footpaths.
“There’s a lot of elderly people in these estates who can’t get out of their own homes; it’s too dangerous.
“A proper program and money from the Government is badly needed.”
Mr Simon Walton, Interim Chief Executive, said the scale of refurbishment that is required throughout the County would require “a significant change in the way roads funding is provided” to Local Authorities.
“There will not be sufficient funding in the Council’s budget next year, or the year after, to deliver the program envisaged.
“The only avenue of funding available to the Council for footpaths over the last number of years has been through the Department of Transport’s Discretionary Scheme to Local Authorities, which covers footpaths, traffic calming, and public lighting.”
Cllr Fitzgerald reminded the Council of their recent decision to increase the Local Property Tax, saying “and yet our footpaths are still really dangerous.”
The motion was strongly endorsed by Sinn Féin Councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley and Independent Councillor Aisling Moran.
Cllr Dwane Stanley suggested that estates be done on a programmed basis, to fully improve footpaths in targeted estates, rather than on the “patch-work” system that is currently in place.
