Footpath from Cross to Stradone could cost up to €200k

A footpath linking Stradone village to the nearby shop and post office could cost as much as €200,000, regardless of what agreements are reached with local landowners along the route.

Along with land agreements, the 530 metre stretch linking to the village would require a two metre high retaining structure on one side, while funding opportunities would be restricted as the post office and shop, which are attached to The Cross pub, are located beyond the 50kmph boundary.

The proposal to build a footpath from the village was proposed by Fine Gael's Val Smith at the recent bi-monthly meeting of members elected to the Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District, who described the state of play with people walking the road at present as a “death trap”.

“It's very dangerous. I wouldn't be crying about it if it wasn't,” added Cllr Smith, whose motion was supported by fellow party member, Carmel Brady.

She noted the road was “very busy” and at times when football matches were taking place, or even when training had finished at nearby PJ Duke Park, “plenty of young ones” travelled the route. “Health and safety is foremost!”

Fianna Fáil's Aiden Fitzpatrick also weighed in with support for the proposal, as did Clifford Kelly (FF) and Aontú's Sarah O'Reilly.

Senior Engineer for the area, Alan Lyons, said the council had examined the stretch of road, which he said was “very narrow” and that any footpath would require space of at least two metres more.

He estimated the costs to carry out what was being requested by Cllr Smith as being in the region of between €160,000 to €200,000. That also did not include the cost of public lighting needed.

He described it as a “difficult consideration” as there was no verge for the council to dig into, meaning that permissions would need to be sought from local landowners if plans were to be drawn up.

He further dismissed calls to simply “extend” the speed limit out so that it might meet the requirements set out for funding streams such as Active Travel.

“There is a process regarding speed limits. It's not just straightforward. There are guidelines from the Department,” he added saying the National Transport Authority had to be shown protocol was followed for any proposed changes. “It has to be realistic.”

“Health and safety should play a big part,” continued Cllr Smith. “God forbid if something serious were to happen.”

He stated how Stradone village had been “forgotten” despite the influx of activity there in recent years, with new businesses and families moving into the area.

Director of Services for the MD, Paddy Connaughton, welcomed the debate, and said to Cllr Smith “by all means” speak to local landowners, but cautioned: “Manage your expectations.”