No funding for new Strandhill footpath

HOPES of a new footpath linking the Rugby Club with Strandhill village have been dashed, for now.

Independent Councillor Declan Bree had asked the Council to bring forward proposals for the construction of a pedestrian footpath on the R292 road linking Strandhill village with the Queen Meave’s Trail and the Rugby club.

At the time of asking, Cllr Bree said members were advised that the Roads Department could “certainly prepare proposals for the provision of the footpath.”

“It was indicated that the construction of a footpath at the location would require significant funding - a conservative estimate for the development of the footpath would be of the order of €225,000 we were told.

“The proposed footpath would extend over a distance of 950m and I believe that there are approximately 18 residential entrances, seven or eight agricultural/field entrances and two entrances to estates on the route.

“I feel it should be noted that the linear roadside development in the area has been somewhat consolidated over the years with housing estates being developed including Dorrins Strand, Sandycove and the Sycamores.

“In addition I would point out that the newly developed Queen Meave’s walking trail and the Killaspugbrone Loop are attracting significant numbers of walkers and pedestrians to the area.

“I am of the view that the provision of this footpath should be considered as a priority by the Council.

“And while I understand that the Council had no dedicated funding stream for such works I do recollect being told that if any funding stream or opportunity to apply for funding became available, it would be done,” he told the meeting.

In response, Senior Executive Engineer Briain Flynn told members that the sought-after footpath proposals had not been advanced “due to current priorities and workloads.”

He said while a new footpath linking the trail and the rugby club would be desirable, it would entail a “very significant body of work both in terms of design and construction.”

The overall length of footpath required would be close to 1km (980m) and accommodation works and drainage works would be extensive.

He agreed that it would cost “well in excess” of ¤200,000.

Flynn added that while not perfect pedestrians currently had the advantage of wide hard shoulders on both sides. He also said the area benefits from public lighting and falls within the 50kph speed limit.