Local call for footpath on "dangerous road to school". A local grandmother is calling for more safety measures for some children walking to school.
Carmel McCrudden is raising concerns about the lack of footpath on the R191 between St. Aidan's Comprehensive in Cootehill and Dronge.
Indeed, Carmel is speaking up as her granddaughter, along with other children, walk this road home from school.
She highlighted the issue to Sorcha Burke.
In a statement issued to Northern Sound, Cavan County Council said. The provision of a footpath at this location is not and has not to date; been part of an agreed programme of works in the Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District.
Any available funding the Municipal District has from its own limited resources; is by necessity focused on the repair and maintenance of the existing footpath network. Provision of new footpaths is, therefore, dependent on external funding streams.
A representative from the Municipal District met with residents of this area in February 2024; and explained that it is highly unlikely that funding can be secured for this location due to several factors.
In the first instance, it is not considered good practice to install footpaths outside the urban speed limits; as the footpath can itself become a hazard to vehicles travelling at speed. Public lighting would also be a requirement to any footpath constructed at a location of this nature.
Additionally, funding for new footpaths comes predominantly from the National Transport Agency (NTA) under active travel funding; and factors for consideration in the selection; planning; and construction of new footpaths within urban areas include:
" Location;
" Proximity and density of developments that generate pedestrian traffic such as community and educational facilities, retail units, factories etc;
" Volume and nature of pedestrian and vehicle traffic using the route;
" Strategic nature, classification and speed limit of road;
" Collision trend, particular focus on pedestrian collisions;
" Length of footpath required;
" Land take requirement;
" Topography and drainage considerations;
" Accommodation of other vulnerable road users e.g. cyclists;
" Cost of the works;
" Cost to benefit considerations;
" Budgetary constraints;
Based on the factors outlined above; any submission for funding for a footpath scheme to service the properties on the lane in question is highly unlikely to be approved for funding by a national body.
