Joint approach on foothpath between Deepforde and Five Oaks

A joint approach between the local authorities is needed to build a footpath between the Five Oaks and Deepforde estates, it has been claimed.

It would cost just over €63,000 to provide the footpath between the two estates.

The issue was raised in a notice of motion at the December meeting of Drogheda Municipal District by Councillor Richie Culhane who called on the council to continue the footpath from Deep Forde housing estate in the Meath County Council area to the Five Oaks housing estate on the Dublin Road in Drogheda.

‘In the interest of serious safety concerns it is imperative that this footpath be completed as children and adults alike must cross the road to access both Drogheda Town Centre and likewise Southgate shopping centre,’ he said.

‘Residents in both Five Oaks and Deep Forde cannot access either estates without crossing a very busy road at enormous risk to their personal safety,’ he added.

The council said the estimate cost of the proposed works is €63,255 + VAT.

‘ There is no provision in the Road Works Programme 2017 for the design and construction of a footpath at this location,’ said a spokesperson.

‘ The delivery of such an initiative might best be delivered as a joint programme between Louth and Meath County Council. A number of Meath elected members have enquired about such infrastructure provision.’

Councillor Culhane said he has witnessed women with buggies trying to cross the road at very busy times with high volumes of traffic.

‘ There are kids with friends in both estates. They shouldn’t have to cross the road to get from one to the other,’ he said.

The councillor said he was hopeful that there might be a willingness on the part of Meath County Council to do a joint venture on this.

‘You can’t put a price on a life, it’s an accident waiting to happen,’ he said. ‘It’s a relatively short stretch. I know some Meath councillors are keen to see this also. It would be great to have some movement on this.’