“No brainer” footpath could ease school traffic and improve safety for families in East Meath
A footpath linking Donacarney and Colpe has been described as a “no brainer”, as calls grow for improved pedestrian access along the coast.
At the March meeting of Laytown-Bettystown, Fianna Fáil councillor Stephen McKee urged Meath County Council to prioritise the development of a footpath that would meet the needs of residents and “provide a safe and viable alternative to the car.”
In response, the council said the proposed footpath would be considered as part of the Area Based Transport Assessment.
This assessment evaluates the existing pedestrian network, identifies gaps, and recommends improvements such as footpaths, crossings, accessibility upgrades, and connections to key destinations, supporting sustainable and walkable development.
The council added that the Donacarney–Colpe link is already listed as a “high priority route” under Route P1 in the Laytown and Bettystown Walking and Cycling Study 2021.
Other sections of Route P1 are either complete or in progress, including Tara Road, Bettystown–Donacarney, and Eastham Road, where advance works are scheduled for 2026.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr McKee said the footpath was “very badly needed,” noting that residents require safe access to Colpe, Southgate, and nearby schools.
“A lot of people in Donacarney would love to have their kids cycle to school,” he said.
“It [the footpath] would also be the final jigsaw to provide a safe walking route between Colpe, Donacarney, Bettystown and Laytown.”
According to the councillor, the footpath would also reduce car traffic on the Colpe road at peak times and provide parents with more travel options.
Fine Gael councillor Sharon Tolan supported the motion, describing the Bettystown–Donacarney route as “crucial” and suggesting that projects like the proposed footpath be planned together so they are ready to progress when funding becomes available.
Independent councillor Carol Lennon said it was “ridiculous” that an area with three schools and more than 1,300 students has no safe walking route, despite repeated concerns over road safety and traffic.
Sinn Féin councillor Maria White also backed the motion, saying: “Connectivity on the coast is just not there."
"This would be a simple means to bring kids to school…it’s a no brainer to me.”