Call made to light up the boardwalk

Meath councillors start the debate over funding

FUNDING should be found to install lighting on the Boyne walkway as far as Oldbridge House, allowing it to be used in the evenings and early mornings all year round.

Cllr Sharon Keogan made the appeal at the area council meeting in Duleek. She said monies could be allocated from the public lighting fund for 2019.

In a direct answer, the council said that the greenway is within an SAC - Special Area of Conservation - and the lighting of greenways didn’t align with the council’s policy.

‘We had a major issue there and surely lighting has to be considered to bring it into the 21s century’, the councillor stated. ‘Hundreds, maybe thousands of walkers use it and public lighting is a must.’

She said if the council would not do it, who could they apply to.

Cllr Paddy Meade said he uses the stretch and it can be scary when the route gets towards Drogheda. ‘I think lighting would be a good thing. People run early in the morning and late in the evening.’

Cllr Sharon Tolan felt that lighting would ‘discourage anti social behaviour’ and they are trying to also promote a healthy lifestyle.

‘It’s a fantastic attraction and that was shown with the outpouring of devastation around Louth and Meath after the fire. It shows how important it is’, she explained.

Cllr Stephen McKee said the greenway was great but he’d favour lighting in rural areas and out to the schools in Duleek.

‘I think a wildlife examination would be needed before lights are put in. We have to be very careful’, Cllr Tom Kelly indicated while Cllr Eimear Ferguson agreed, saying they’d have to check out the SAC area.

Area manager Fiona Lawless said there was no point in approaching anyone until they could see where the funding was coming from the repair the walkway.

Cllr Ferguson added that when it’s frosty, the area is very slippy.

Cllr Wayne Harding said he wanted to see it extended to Slane and also thanked the outdoor staff for cleaning the leaves off it.