No money for path to link new houses to Laois village

A footpath to link a new housing estate with Errill has not factored into the building of the houses so no money was set aside to install a pavement.

So it emerged at a recent meeting between councillors and council officials at Laois County Council HQ in Portlaoise.

Cllr John King, Fine Gael, raised the issue in a motion, which called on the council to seek funding to install new footpath from St Kieran’s Park to Errill village. He said this was needed not just for the existing residents but for the families moving into 14 new homes under construction in in the area.

Cllr King said the path would provide a pedestrian link for the residents of with the school, village shop and post office. He believed that if funding was secured accidents could be prevented.

He added that the new houses would be ready for occupation next March.

He was supported by Cllr Ollie Clooney, Independent who believed that the houses were a ‘big boost’ for Errill and a footpath would be ‘ideal’ as it would make things safe. 

The reply from Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, confirmed that there is no money available at this point. 

“An application will be made to the National Transport Authority for funding primarily aimed at providing safe, accessible and convenient pedestrian facilities that will link the housing estate to the village,” he said.

The issue was raised at the recent Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Mountmellick Municipal District meeting.