Council to tackle ‘poor condition’ of Mallow footpaths
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL is to undertake an extensive programme of works to address what has been described as “the very poor condition” of some footpaths in Mallow town centre.
The issue was raised by Cllr Gearoid Murphy (FF) in a motion at the March Kanturk/Mallow area committee meeting, in which he sought a report on the general state of local footpaths and a commitment to repair and upgrade of same.
“We are trying to attract people into the town and yet the footpaths are in a very poor condition. While I recognises that Council officials have been pro-active in this matter, the basics are very important in that people want to walk down the street without fear of falling down. In fact, a number of falls in the town centre have been reported to me over recent months,” he said.
Cllr Melissa Mullane (SF) said that it had long been recognised by Council officials that there was a need for footpath upgrades in Mallow.
“The layout of slabs and paving stones, while they may look beautiful, was not ideal as many of them are now sinking. Particularly in the area around the church, which is used by a lot of elderly people,” said Cllr Mullane.
“They are also sinking in some the laneways, most notably those that carry cars,” she added.
In reply to Cllr Murphy’s motion, the Council said it acknowledged the poor condition of some footpaths in the town and was currently in the process of arranging for a contractor to repair some of the worst affect sections of footpath slabs.
They said it was envisaged the works would commence this month
“These works will involve the removal/replacement of broken slabs and the re-setting of rocking slabs with the primary aim of improving pedestrian safety. Depending on resources and the effectiveness of these initial repairs, further remedial works may be undertake,” read the reply.
The Council said the measures were being funded under a €500,000 grant received in 2018 under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, which will “go towards a longer term plan to improve the public realm and streetscape of Mallow.”
Part of this plan will include the under-grounding of electricity cables.
Welcoming the commitment Cllr Murphy said there was an “urgent need” to tackle this issue in the short term.
“In the long term, I look forward to seeing the basic services such as footpaths upgraded across the town centre,” he said.