Traffic and footpath concerns raised at Rochfortbridge Walkability event

Traffic management, better road markings, widened footpaths and an increase in biodiversity were all high on the list when Rochfortbridge Town Team met for their Walkability event on April 23.

Town Teams have been formed across Westmeath, as part of a wider government-led initiative aimed at revitalising rural towns and villages.

The team started the day at St James’s Hall in Rochfortbridge at 10am, where they discussed the elements they needed to keep an eye out for on the walk.

The team was then split up into smaller groups, where they surveyed different areas of the town centre.

Once the walk was finished, they returned to St James’s Hall to discuss their findings.

Some of the main concerns raised by residents were; requirements to bring in traffic calming measures around peak school times, further maintenance on footpaths for wheelchair users and a need to introduce more safe road crossing points.

Jason McCormack, Regeneration Officer at Westmeath County Council, said: “The attendees praised the community feel of Rochfortbridge and its well-kept green areas.

“The team said that Rochfortbridge has significant potential to offer its residents an excellent quality of life with top class educational and sports facilities close to the town centre.”