Footpath maintenance and deterioration across Tipperary needs to be addressed now

The state of footpaths across the county in towns and villages is causing stress to many people who feel they aren't being listened to when they ask for better public facilities.

A lot of footpaths are unsafe for pedestrians and wheelchair users due to their narrowness, bumpiness and poor condition which is a serious hazard to users, leading to dangerous situations as the winter approaches.

Two motions were raised at this month's Tipperary/Cahir/Cashel Municipal District meeting in relation to deteriorating footpaths in the county. 

Councillor Annmarie Ryan (Shiner) asked that the District upgrade the footpaths serving Limerick Junction from the train station to the N24 Junction and resurface the part of the Limerick Junction Road, towards the train station, that is yet to be completed. 

The roads aren't in a good condition she said as while one part is done the other part is "the bumpy bit".

She pointed out the narrowness of the footpaths for pedestrians or wheelchair users before stating that she felt that, with the works on the way between Solohead and into town, it would be "a pity if the footpaths aren't done as well". 

Councillor John Crosse seconded the motion. A second motion soon followed about the state of a footpath in the Cahir area. The motion was raised by Councillor Andy Moloney looking for a footpath as far as the speed limit on the Ardfinnan Road, Cahir as part of any maintenance works to be carried out.

He pointed out it would help with pedestrian safety and traffic calming in the area. Speaking in relation to the matter, Cllr Moloney said he had "several CRM's in on it over the years" and said it should have been done when extra parking was created at the nearby soccer field. 

"Now that the wall has collapsed, and I know that there are ongoing consultations and negotiations with the owner, I think it is an ideal opportunity to put in the footpath now."

Following that appeal, he said he welcomed the reply by the Council that it will be considered. Councillor Mairin McGrath also spoke on the matter saying that:

"In relation to the collapsed footpath there was a meeting on site last week with the landowner and it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. It is a difficult issue there because of the nature of the historic wall" she said.