Calls for transport strategy on Laois-Offaly border
Offaly minister Pippa Hackett has given her support to calls for a transport strategy on the outskirts of Portarlington, close to the Laois-Offaly border.
Green Party representative for the Portarlington area, John Holland, has called on Laois County Council to be more ambitious in providing cycle networks and footpaths in Portarlington.
This week’s announcement of €3m for active travel measures in Laois, saw a total of €22k allocated to Portarlington for footpath works on the Edenderry Road.
“Compare that with Monasterevin, a smaller neighbouring town to Portarlington, which has received €700k in funding for a cycle network,” says Mr Holland.
“It seems Portarlington has been side-lined in its calls for more investment in this area.
“I am again calling on Laois County Council to apply for funding for a Transport Strategy for Portarlington to allow for a full and detailed review of active travel and sustainable transport options.”
The funding announced this week includes the cost of staffing Active Travel Offices in County Councils to oversee the spending.
“I would hope to see the Roads Department and the new Active Travel Office working with councillors and community groups throughout Laois,” said Mr Holland.
“The Green Party in Government has ensured that the funding is available, and we urgently need to see it delivering for towns like Portarlington.”
Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett supports Mr Holland’s call for a Transport Strategy for Portarlington.
“This Government has made an unprecedented level of funding available for active travel infrastructure and I want to see that funding being utilised to its full potential in my constituency of Laois-Offaly. I look forward to working with John and Laois County Council’s Active Travel Office to ensure that this funding delivers for Portarlington,” she said.