Footpaths for Cootehill

The local authority is being urged to install a footpath from Maguire’s Filling Station out to the Cootehill Industrial Estate.

The issue was raised by Cllr Carmel Brady at a meeting of the Bailieborough Cootehill MD last week in light of increased traffic in the town as the new school term begins.

“It’s an ongoing issue,” she told those gathered.

“There’s 350 workers within the industrial estate,” she said, as well as children getting school buses and walking, and the presence of the Errigal Country House Hotel, which is “the only place to get food in the evening after 5pm”.

Meanwhile at lunch time, she estimated “anywhere up to 100 workers” come to purchase food at the Mace filling station. “It’s a health and safety issue,” she remarked, pointing out that there is a “green area” that is “wide enough for a footpath”.

Area Manager Clinton Mulligan explained that funding for footpaths is “focused” on repair and maintenance works.

He said the work mentioned involves around 270m of footpath, which could cost in the range of €30-40k.

“A specific funding stream would need to be identified,” outlined Mr Clinton, adding that there are “certain criteria” to qualify under the Active Travel Scheme.

Barrier

Meanwhile Cllr Brady also asked for an update at the barrier at the bottom of Cootehill town, which she said is “around a corner” and has been “pushed in further.”

Mr Mulligan revealed the council is having “trouble securing a contractor” to carry out the work.

A “damaged footpath” from Drumlin Drive to the corner at the bottom of the Cavan road is also in need of “urgent repair” according to Cllr Brady. She explained that the footpath is “literally stuck up”, making a mountain shape with her hands.

While there is a “cone there at the minute”, she said a local wheelchair user “can’t go up and down” while another woman has to wait for assistance to walk there.

“It’s not fit for purpose,” she claimed.