Carrick housing development needs to be linked up with surrounding area

A local councillor has said he was “extremely disappointed” that the Glas na hAbhainn housing development in the Attirory area of Carrick-on-Shannon did not receive Active Travel funding to link it up with the rest of the area.

Cllr Enda Stenson told the Council, “We gave permission for that development so we have got to make the proper access into it.”

At the recent meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Stenson asked if it was the residents or the local authority that now has to re-submit the application for the Active Travel grant.

A reply to the meeting stated, “Glas na hAbhainn Active Travel (footpath with public lighting) did not receive funding from National Transport Authority in 2023. However, it remains on the list for potential future schemes.

“Leitrim County Council will resubmit the scheme for funding in 2024 but ultimately it is the National Transport Authority’s decision what schemes are funded and there is no guarantee of funding. Please also note there is a land take agreement required for this scheme to be constructed,” the reply concluded.

Cllr Stenson said he was extremely disappointed it didn’t get the funding and said something had to be done and the issues have to be taken on board.

Cllr Sean McGowan fully supported the call to link the estate up with the rest of Attirory, as did Cllrs Finola Armstrong-McGuire and Paddy Farrell.

Cllr Des Guckian also supported the link up and said to keep in mind the extension of the Dromod Rooskey bypass was going to be in that area.

Cllr Stenson said he liked to think this footpath would be done long before that bypass road. He said it should have been allocated Active Travel funding.

Bernard Greene, Senior Planner, told the meeting the Council did propose that connection last year and it intends to reapply for funding.

He pointed out a number of estates in the county have been granted planning permission without being connected up to other nearby areas.

Mr Greene said planning permission has been granted to construct three houses nearby that requires to provide a footpath.

He said there is an added issue of national monuments on both sides of the road at that location.

Cllr Stenson remarked, “Hopefully something will be done sooner rather than later.”