Pedestrians would ‘want a hurling helmet’ amid dangers on Waterford footpaths

Pedestrians in Waterford have been warned of the danger of protruding branches on local footpaths in housing estates.

The issue was raised by independent councillor Declan Barry at the October plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

Cllr Barry said: “I want to know if Waterford City and County Council have a plan of works in place for residential estates where tree branches are making it difficult for people to use the public footpaths within estates.

“I mean, we know our lighting is bad [...] but then there are these branches and whatever protruding.

“You’d nearly want a hurling helmet on you walking through some of the estates,” he added.

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Cllr Barry concluded by asking the council executive what the procedure is when it comes to tackling overgrowth in residential areas.

In response to Cllr Barry, Director of Services Gabriel Hynes said that each municipal district has their own presentation team who are responsible for tree cutting.

He told Cllr Barry that if he had any “particular areas of concern” he could let him know and the respective presentation team would be contacted.

On a separate issue of safety, Cllr Barry suggested that reflective armbands could be used as a way to keep children safe on the roads and footpaths this winter.

He said they were a “very cheap and simple” way that the council could promote road safety.

In response, Mr Hynes said he would support the idea and that he would take it up with the Road Safety Authority (RSA).