Councillor offers to use discretionary funding for Laois footpath

A Councillor offered to use his discretionary funding to progress a footpath in Portarlington. 

Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins asked in a motion:“That Laois County Council give an update on the installation of the new footpath at Corrig, Portarlington, and if public lighting will be installed with it.”

In response, Senior Executive Engineer, Tom Drennan, said  “progress on these works were deferred in 2025 due Uisce Eireann’s works which involved the installation of a watermain between the Railway Station and Corrig Wood in Portarlington.

Laois County Council area staff are currently engaging with Irish Rail with a view to securing a licence to construct a footpath over the railway bridge. This process is currently underway but may not be granted before quarter 2 of 2026 and is subject to Irish Rail's granting of works licence and agreeing liability insurances. In the interim Laois County Council will consider cost estimates and budgetary provisions for this footpath and associated drainage including street lighting and will update Cllr Mullins on this when completed.”

Cllr Mullins said it was a very popular walking route.  “Can I assume that there is nothing in the current budget?” he asked. 

Mr Drennan said there was some budgetary provision but the street lighting would need additional funding. “We want to reach a positive outcome,” he told Cllr Mullins. 

Director of Services Julie Bergin agreed and said there was some provision for putting in footpaths. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran said Portarlington is the second biggest town in Laois. She said Portlaoise has been getting “the lion’s share” of active travel funding. 

Cllr Mullins said “I have no problem contributing from the discretionary fund towards it”. 

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan said “we are the poor relations. We are getting the scraps.” 

The issue was discussed at the latest meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.