New footpath for The Downs could be part of loop route

There was strong support at the February meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad to a proposal from Cllr Andrew Duncan that a footpath be constructed at The Downs.

His suggestion was that the footpath run from the roundabout to the GAA pitch.

The district’s response was that it could be considered as part of the 2024 estimates, subject to funding, but Cllr Duncan said it was at least six years since he had first made the proposal, and Cllr Aoife Davitt had also made a similar proposal more recently.

“The Downs is a very bright, vibrant locality that is going to grow, and I think it is a necessity that we put the infrastructure in place for that,” he said.

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Denis Leonard, who said it was a suggestion he has also proposed in the past.

He recalled the efforts that had gone in to having a footbridge erected there after the village was “bisected” by the motorway, but the remaining important piece of the jigsaw required was a footpath, and he wondered if it could be provided under the Active Travel or Safer Travel programmes.

Cllr Davitt confirmed that she has raised the issue, most recently in November. She would like if the path could be part of a loop that would enable people to walk to Genesis and back to the GAA grounds. “We’re asking for a footpath to service families who live there, people who are going to school, people who are going to pitches,” she said, adding that she felt there should be consultation with the residents about it.

Also supporting the motion was Cllr Emily Wallace: “You cannot believe the amount of activity in The Downs, unless you’re there,” she said, adding that it was a hugely active, busy community. “For a rural community, it’s one of the busiest in the district.”

She continued, however, that from walking that road herself, she was aware that there comes a point beyond which walking is no longer safe there.

This has been on the request list for quite a number of years and I think it’s about time that it was looked at in a serious manner,” she said, adding that currently, there is a playground under development there, which will draw more people to that location.

“The Downs GAA have done a huge recreation development out there, and they have to be commended. And we, as a district, need to support that and encourage it because if we’re not seen to support it, how can we give the security and confidence to other areas that we, as a council, are behind our rural communities in their development.”

Cllr Mick Dollard also spoke in support of the motion, as did the mayor, Cllr John Shaw. Both were, however, concerned that there might not be much funding available through the estimates, and suggested that alternative sources, such as Active Travel should be considered.