Hundreds of objections lodged against cycle track on Laois border
There have been over 750 submissions from members of the public regarding the proposed cycle track on the border of Laois and Carlow.
In recent weeks, the proposed 750 metre cycle track from Laois to Carlow sparked frustration from the public, with many people insisting that such a development is not needed.
The proposed cycle track would connect Graigucullen to Carlow Town, starting at Barrowvale on the Laois side of Graiguecullen , past Aldi along Church Street and by the Croppy Graves and into Carlow Town park.
A public meeting was held in Graiguecullen GAA Clubhouse on Tuesday, June 16 to give local residents the opportunity to ask questions and get as much information as possible to help them through the official consultation process.
Graiguecullen native and Laois Sinn Féin Cathaoirleach, Aaron Kelly, has been vocal about his opposition to the cycle track, citing concerns regarding the impact it may have on local businesses, especially during its construction with reduced access, traffic congestion and the potential loss of car parking spaces.
Mr Kelly hosted the public meeting alongside Carlow Councillor John Cassin.
As the deadline for public submissions ended at 5pm on Tuesday, July 7, Mr Kelly said that a total of 756 submissions were handed in on the proposed track.
He delivered 377 public submissions opposing the track to Laois County Council and Cllr Cassin delivered a further 379 submissions to Carlow County Council.
Carlow County Council are responsible for the proposed development, however agreement is needed with Laois County Council regarding the section of the track in Laois..
Director of Services at Laois County Council, Simon Walton, said: "Carlow County Council are developing details for an active travel scheme on Church Street. The Scheme does extend in County Laois, but only for a short distance. There is a requirement for agreement on the details between the two Councils, for the piece in County Laois.”
Mr Kelly said: “Today's submission of 756 objections demonstrates the strength in numbers that exists within our community. I want to sincerely thank every resident who attended our public meetings, completed a submission or helped spread awareness of this consultation. I also want to thank the local businesses that got behind the campaign too.
This has been a genuine grassroots community campaign focused on ensuring local voices are heard in Graiguecullen. We have repeatedly stated that we are not anti-cycling but are strongly opposed to this particular route. Loss of parking, respect for the Croppy Graves, elderly residents, impact on businesses and traffic congestion are among some of the reasons why."
Kelly added that the campaign was about ensuring the concerns of residents, businesses and road users are fully considered before any decision is made.
"Public consultation only has value when people participate, and the response from Graiguecullen has been overwhelming. We now expect both Laois County Council and Carlow County Council to carefully consider every submission received, including those submitted independently, before reaching any decision."
The Laois Sinn Féin Cathaoirleach previously argued that “legitimate questions remain unanswered” about the necessity and impact of the development.
One issue that was raised in recent weeks was the ongoing campaign in the Graiguecullen and Carlow area to improve footpaths for wheelchair users.
A local wheelchair user, Eoin Harte, has been driving this campaign which is looking for improvements to be made to this route which is impossible for wheelchair users to navigate due to high kerbs as well as narrow and damaged paths.
Mr Kelly said that such Active Travel funding would be much better utilised for issues such as this which clearly show a local appetite.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme