People living in the Rathmullen area of Drogheda, in the Riverbank and Highlands estates in particular, have been complaining for years about the lack of safe access to the Boyne Trail greenway which runs close to their homes.
Back in February 2019 the Fianna Fail local election hopeful Anthony Moore said it was scandalous that 18 years after those estates were built, that no footpath has been built to connect residents with the boardwalk.
Blaming what he perceived as a lack of cooperation between Louth and Meath Co. Councils, Moore said:
“The road in question forms the boundary between Louth and Meath Co. Councils. Unfortunately, experience shows there’s more chance of cooperation between North and South Korea than between the two Councils.
Anthony didn’t get elected but only now has there been any progress on providing a footpath so residents can gain access to the boardwalk without endangering their lives.
A Section 85 agreement with Meath County Council was passed at this morning’s monthly meeting of Louth County Council.
This agreement was necessary this short section of road forms part of the boundary between the two counties. This agreement essentially gives Meath County Council the go ahead to construct the pathway/cycleway.
When built it will be a combined three metre wide, and 350 metre long, footpath-cycleway linking Riverbank and the Rathmullan Road with the Boyne Greenway.
Moore’s FF party colleague James Byrne was elected a Councillor and this morning he told Drogheda Life that, despite numerous requests for information on commencement or completion dates from both Councils nobody seemed to know what was happening, if anything, despite Government funding of €145,000 being secured in March 2021.
“At least we are now a major step closer to delivery” he said.
Meanwhile, Fiona Fallon, Senior Executive Officer, Community Section, Meath County Council, has told local TD Fergus O’Dowd that the application to An Bord Pleanala will be lodged next week but there is no indication on when a decision will be made on the application.
“However while waiting a decision, the procurement documents can be prepared and a preferred contractor identified. Work can only commence if An Bord Pleanala give permission for the project.
“Subject to An Bord Pleanala approval, I would hope that works would commence before the end of this year and take 2-3 months to complete.”
Deputy O’Dowd said “This vital piece of local infrastructure was approved €145k under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme to assist with the costs in March 2021.
“The proposed project will see the construction of a new segregated path and cycleway with associated lighting linking the Rathmullen Road to the Boyne Greenway.
“Whilst the requirement to submit the Natura Impact Statement will delay the project the council have stated that they are confident that most or all of the project will be finished in the 2022 calendar year subject to An Bord Pleanala approval.
O’Dowd added “I’m acutely aware that this area has seen very significant population growth and development over recent years and the creation of a safe walk and cycleway is vital to allow local residents and visitors to safely access the greenway.”
