‘Unsafe and mucky’ routes spark calls for new walkway in East Meath
Pressure is mounting on Meath County Council to deliver a safe pedestrian link between several housing estates, amid concerns over the condition of existing access routes.
Fianna Fáil councillor Stephen McKee has tabled a motion for the upcoming municipal district meeting calling on the local authority to provide a “safe and accessible linkage” between Avourwen, Lagavooren Manor and the Rosevale/Ard Rí estates. The same motion was submitted last October.
At present, there is a route through gaps in hedges and fences “that is long-established but unsafe and mucky, particularly during winter months”, according to Cllr McKee.
He said he has been engaging with residents across the affected estates in recent months to progress a solution, and recently met with locals in Avourwen alongside Senator Alison Comyn.
“I have been lobbying hard for a safe pathway between these South Drogheda estates for a period of time now,” Cllr McKee said.
“Meath County Council previously told me that they would look at providing a formal route once Avourwen is completed and taken in charge by the council. This simply isn’t good enough and needs to be done as a priority. The council should liaise with residents and public representatives to progress a plan of action immediately.”
He said the growth of Avourwen in recent years has intensified the need for proper pedestrian access.
“Avourwen has grown into a very large estate with hundreds of homes, and residents need and deserve proper walkable access to shops, services and schools in the locality,” he said.
“The reverse is also true in that residents in Ard Rí, Rosevale and Lagavooren Manor need safe access to get to John’s Shop and Wolfe Tones GFC club grounds. So, this is a win-win for all residents in the locality if done properly.”
“I am working with local residents, my colleague Senator Alison Comyn and the council to ensure that this is done soon and in the right manner. I am conscious that reports of anti-social behaviour need to be addressed too as part of these works,” the East Meath councillor added.
“The access between these estates is an established one and it is important that it is tidied up and made safe for the benefit of all residents as soon as possible.”