The work of former councillor recognised as Tipperary footpath project approved

Councillors at Thurles-Templemore Municipal District Council have paid tribute to the work of former councillor Seamus Hanafin on a new footpath being developed on the Mill Road.

The councillors approved the Part Eight Chief Executive Report at last week’s meeting.

Councillor Micheál Lowry acknowledged his former colleagues' work saying it was his work that progressed the project. 

Cllr Peggy Ryan echoed Cllr Lowry’s sentiments and said it was “a pity it wasn’t done when Seamus was here.” 

District Engineer Thomas Duffy said Mr Hanafin was “key to getting the project to this point.”

Cllr Kay Cahill-Skehan said the project was “close to his heart” and she would support its progress as both a councillor and a walker.

“As a walker, I have given up on the Mill Road. It is so dangerous,” said Cllr Cahill-Skehan.

The report which was proposed by Cllr Jim Ryan and seconded by Cllr Sean Ryan outlined the plan to build a footpath from along the Mill Road in Thurles.The 950 metre of 1.8 metre path will start north of the Tipperary Equestrian entrance and extend over the Drish River.

The development will also include drainage and gullies, hedging, landscaping and signage. 

Cllr Jim Ryan welcomed the project and asked if flood management works would be part of the project.

He also asked if funding was available to take the project to its next stage. 

Mr Duffy said there would be flood mitigation works as part of the project. 

But, he said funding was something they would have to continue to look for. 

“It is a step by step process. But we will endeavour to get it to the next stage,” said Mr Duffy. 

Cllr Sean Ryan noted the submission from Uisce Éireann concerning the water infrastructure in the area. He said the council would need to ensure no unnecessary outages during building works.