Funding shortfall delays completion of Leitrim footpath

Lack of funding serves as the main obstacle in completing the unfinished footpath from Mohill to the Lough Rynn rowing centre, Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District has heard.

“The footpath from the rowing centre out to Rynn and from Mohill out is great but there’s a bit in the middle that’s extremely dangerous,” said Cllr Enda Stenson.

“I know it’s probably a funding issue but we have got to make it a priority. We’re promoting that rowing facility which is brilliant for Mohill, we have to have that walkway to connect both.

“The first part from the road into Rynn is excellent, but then you come into that bit in the middle.

“It’s got to be done sooner rather than later, it’s been brought up several times before and it needs to be done. It’s a very busy piece of road,” Cllr Stenson added.

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The motion was seconded by Cllr Farrell and Cllr Reynolds. 

The issue of inadequate lighting along the footpath was also raised.

“There’s a gap where there’s lights at the rowing club, and then there’s no lights. It would be great to get it lit the whole way into town.

“The existing footpath that’s there is currently unsafe and something needs to be done to address that,” Cllr Reynolds commented.

District engineer Darragh O’Boyle told councillors that the main issue is funding. The cost could range from €200k to €300k, including purchasing land required to extend the footpath in addition to installing lighting.

The possibility of securing funds through the Outdoor Recreational Scheme (ORS) was suggested.

“The first section of that footpath was done through Active Travel, linking the hotel with the rowing facility which is a first class footpath.

“The continuation of lighting back into town is something that’s high on my agenda, but it’s all about funding. 

“The ORS system is available, maybe we could look into putting that on the list for future funding. If we get funding there it would be a worthy project and it needs to be done.

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“The best way forward on this is if we could seek funding through the Outdoor Recreational Scheme,” Mr O’Boyle added.