Call for B’boro footpath to be extended to plant

A demand has been made for a footpath to be installed outside Lakeland Dairies in Bailieborough.

Aontú Councillor Sarah O’Reilly proposed the motion at the June Bailieborough Cootehill Municipal District meeting.

Highlighting the issue, Cllr O’Reilly said: “I’ve mentioned this before a couple of years ago.”

She explained the current footpath leading out the Shercock road ends at St Anne’s Park, roughly 200 metres shy of Lakeland Dairies.

Cllr O'Reilly said that 800 people work in the factory, many of whom could walk, adding it would be “an ideal link to town”.

She queried if funding for the footpath could be accessed through the Active Travel Scheme.

The Bailieborough woman also stated the road is very wide and there should be enough room for a footpath and cycle lane without acquiring land.

Supporting the motion, Sinn Féin Councillor Paddy McDonald also said he had raised the issue in the past.

He outlined the “football club has done a lot of work clearing trees” in the area and agreed there is be enough room.

In response, senior executive engineer, Alan Lyons, said the council had been in contact with Lakeland Dairies previously regarding improvements outside their premises as part of the conditions of their planning permission.

Cllr O’Reilly responded, stating she did not think the footpath would be completely on Lakeland Dairies' land.

However, the executive replied saying it would need to be a joint project/contribution by both the local authority and Lakeland Dairies.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Clifford Kelly also supported the motion.