New benches considered for walking routes in Leitrim town

There are plans to consider installing public seating at a number of locations in Carrick-on-Shannon following an audit scheduled for next month.

A meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District heard of the need for additional seating around the town to allow people to take a break while out walking.

Cllr Cormac Flynn proposed a motion asking that the Council, in conjunction with Active Travel, assess walking routes in Carrick-on-Shannon with a view to installing additional benches and seating areas to provide rest points for walkers and encourage greater participation in walking as a recreational and health-enhancing activity.

Cllr Flynn spoke of the number of people who walk to and from the Tesco retail park from the town, noting that some may have to carry shopping bags for a considerable distance, particularly if they have an injury or mobility issue.

He told the meeting about a local person recovering from an operation who wants to go out walking again but is afraid to do so, but would chance it if there was seating along the way.

“Carrick is a hilly town. It’s a good opportunity to give people the confidence to go on walks that they may have been doing a few years ago and are afraid to do now,” he said.

All members of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District supported the motion.

A Council response confirmed that the Active Travel team have been in contact with the Age Friendly Programme manager and that both sections will collaborate when walkability audits are being conducted.

A Town Centre audit of Carrick-on-Shannon is scheduled for October, with a view to installing public seating at a number of key locations.

Cllr Flynn welcomed what he called a “positive” response.