Footpath’s are not up to scratch in Tipperary with big improvements needed

Narrow footpaths near schools cause all sorts of problems for students, parents and teachers across Tipperary schools. 

Firstly, the health implication of petrol and diesel exhausts in the near vicinity of children can have devastating health consequences and secondly the safety element relating to it, as there are heavy vehicles up against footpaths that children as young as four years of age use on a daily basis. 

Issues have been highlighted in reference to primary schools in Cashel, Clonoulty and other areas such as Dundrum village, and once more the lack of safe footpaths in our towns and villages was raised by Councillors at the recent Tipperary/Cahir/Cashel Municipal District monthly meeting.

Councillor Roger Kennedy brought two motions to the meeting highlighting the issues surrounding footpaths in the county. 

The  footpath from Clonoulty village and school (and lack of it) was brought up at the meeting, as Cllr Kennedy asked if the footpath could be continued up from Simon’s in the village to the GAA pitch where the playground is. 

He also asked that the footpaths in Emly could finally be brought in line with Tidy Town report recommendations. 

“Children are walking every day of the year,” he said while continuing to make his case for safer footpaths in the district while focusing on Clonoulty.

“Between going over to the GAA field and the  facilities and playground that are there, it is a major route. 

“It is important that this is continued on. I look forward to getting funding,” he said. 

Councillor Declan Burgess seconded the motion adding that it is a “really worthwhile project for the village which is a busy hub.” 

He stressed that a link to the village is really important for the community. 

He said that while it “was unfortunate that we didn't get funding under Active Travel, it is important that we explore alternatives to deliver the project.” 

Regarding Emly, Cllr Kennedy said that if they couldn’t get funding for the full stretch of road required, “the people still want to get a portion of the road done” at least, so they can continue to push their efforts for Tidy Towns competitions and ensure that they have safer roads. 

Cllr Annemarie Ryan commended the locals there for their efforts and  said that “it is crucial the work they are doing is supported”.

This was  a sentiment echoed by Cllr Tony Black who also supported the motion. 

He said: “There is a proud heritage in Emly and Tidy Towns,” and he stressed the need to support people who are pushing hard for a better environment. 

The debate moved on as to how best to get funding under ‘Active Travel’.

Councillors discussed what could be done to ensure that the District gets funding in the years to come which will ensure healthier - and safer - communities.