New footpath for Moate residents

Residents of Toorfelim and the Ballymore Road, Moate, recently came together to express their delight with the recently completed section of footpath which now connects some 25 homes to the town centre and provides safe access to the old rail trail greenway.

The project was completed by contractors working for Westmeath County Council over the winter period through the Community Involvement Scheme with support from local residents and a local landowner. Through the Community Involvement Scheme Westmeath County Council covered 90% of the cost of developing circa 220 metres of new footpath. The remaining 10% was contributed by the local community, coming in the form of a land contribution from a local landowner to facilitate the path.

Local Councillor Vinny McCormack, who assisted the residents in bringing the project to fruition was on hand to view the completed project along with the happy residents.

“This is a crucial project for the people of Toorfelim, and something I have been working hard to progress over the past number of years. There has been a real safety issue for pedestrians along this road for some time and this footpath goes a long way towards addressing this issue. There are lots of children along this particular road attending school in Moate, with the new path we have now provided safe access for these children to walk to and from school, also availing of the back road and greenway which are now covered with street lights,” said Cllr McCormack.

“Pedestrian safety has become a substantial concern over the past number of years in towns and villages right across the county, there is increased traffic travelling at higher speeds and we need positive actions like this in many areas to protect the safety of our pedestrians.

"The works which have been completed at Toorfelim, alongside the lighting of the back road and Greenway are great developments for the town and I am delighted to be here with so many residents to welcome it,” concluded Cllr McCormack,