Money refused again for Laois town's path to woodland walk
Money requested of the National Transport Authority to install a footpath to a Laois town's popular woodland walk, has been rejected.
It is the second time that funding has been denied to build a path from Portarlington Train Station to Corrig Woods, with a similar request by Laois County Council turned down two years ago.
It was sought under the Active Travel fund, which aims to get people out walking and cycling safely, but not on this road thanks to the decision.
Cllr Aidan Mullins is on the Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District, where this March he tabled a motion asking for an update on the funding application.
He said it is "disappointing".
"This would continue that walkway to Corrig Woods. The active travel fund is designed for that purpose.
"I was hopeful last October when you said you were waiting on a response from the NTA. Will the council be putting in a further application for funding? Can I request that is done?," he asked.
The Director of Services for Finance Gerry Murphy agreed to apply again.
He added that the road will be be included in a permeability study on bringing connectivity to Portarlington and areas around it.
Cllr PJ Kelly had seconded the motion.
"I hope this time it is approved," he said.
€3.3 million has been allocated to Laois for Active Travel projects in 2023 through the National Roads Authority. Read how it was allocated above.