Slips, trips and falls risk assessment sought for footpaths in this Kildare estate

A slips, trips and falls risk assessment has been sought for footpaths located in one County Kildare estate.

The assessment was requested by Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) meeting, which took place on Wednesday, March 18 last.

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Specifically, he motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to prioritise the assessment and remediation of footpaths within the Langton Park estate in Newbridge. 

According to Cllr Pender, this work should:

• "Identify damaged sections, trip hazards, ponding issues, and accessibility concerns"
• "Set out costed repair options, including phased delivery where required"
• "Provide a clear delivery timeline and identified funding source"

Cllr Pender's motion was seconded by Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer.

In response to his motion, KCC told Cllr Pender that the MD Office recently completed footpath works in Langton Park.

However, KCC revealed that the extent of the works was limited by budgetary constraints.

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"There is currently no additional funding available to complete further footpath works in Langton Park," KCC added. "The MD Office will assess and maintain the remaining sections of footpath until additional funding for upgrading becomes available."

This prompted Cllr Pender to tell KCC: "I recognise the budget limitations, but as far as I'm concerned, we should be looking into a slips, trips and falls risk assessment."

He also emphasised to KCC that there is a "significant population of older people" residing in Langton Park.

Furthermore, he claimed that both him and Cllr O'Dwyer had previously suggested a risk assessment for the estate.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.