Money for new Leitrim footpaths but nothing to repair old ones

In a time when we are all told to “reduce, reuse and repair” it seems strange that the message from Government does not adhere to this ethos.

At the Ballinamore Municipal District meeting last week, councillors were informed that money could be granted to construct new footpaths or ‘links’ in towns and villages to encourage people to walk and cycle but there is no funding available to repair old footpaths, no matter what state they are in.

The councillors from the Ballinamore area were left fuming over this information, but it applies all over the county.

The meeting heard that new footpaths are to be constructed on the Dowra Road, Drumshanbo to link back into the town.

Work is also due to start shortly on a wider footpath at Fenagh as part of Active Travel.

Any new application for footpaths which will create safe links to amenities are welcome, but don't mention any existing footpath!

Cllrs Ita Reynolds Flynn and Caillian Ellis asked about work on the footpath at Railway Road in Ballinamore. A number of elderly people live along the path which goes to the doctor's surgery, pharmacy and shop. It is, they stated, in “bad condition.”

Cllr Ellis said the footpath gets a lot of use as it also links to Smith's Funeral Home. But it didn't matter the level of need, the Council said “The NTA won't repair footpaths.”

Cllr Enda McGloin added it is “incredible” that the Council can't deal with any existing footpath because funding is cut. He asked about the new footpaths due for construction and asked “how do we maintain them?”

Cllr Ellis, who was not to be deterred on the issue, also asked about new footpaths for Church Street in Ballinamore.

The local authority outlined that Church Street is on the programme for a restoration grant this year, but “there is no provision in the roadwork programme for the repair of footpaths.”

However, council engineer Darragh O'Boyle said the upgrading of footpaths could be looked at if a one way system was put in place.

He said a one way system on this road would allow for parking on one side and a footpath on the other.

Mr O'Boyle further reminded members that the idea of a one way system did not go ahead a few years ago due to complaints. Cllr Ellis asked the Council to look at this option again and they said they would carry out a survey with residents.