No footpath renewal under Active Travel
The topic of Active Travel was discussed at the meeting held in City Hall.
At the latest meeting of the Metropolitan District meeting, Councillor Donal Barry raised the shoddy state of the city's footpaths and thoroughfares.
The Independent Councillor requested an update from both the Council Executive and the Active Travel team over a proposed off-road cycle lane based on the Cork Road between SETU and the city centre.
He said: "According to Active Travel, it encourages individuals, community and the environment. However, I'm concerned about the many footpaths across Waterford that remain in poor condition, creating difficulties for older people, wheelchair-users, parents with buggies, schoolchildren and people with mobility challenges.
He added: "The Council and the active travel team outline how it is prioritizing investment in footpath renewal and administrative accessibility alongside major cycle projects. Can money be taken from active travel budgets and put into footpaths repair?"
Councillor Davy Daniels (Ind) also raised concerns over a purported spike in anti-social behaviour in residential areas that have adopted Active Travel Schemes.
Senior engineer Paul Johnston said: "Unfortunately, the Active Travel programmes don't allow for footpath replacement. We rely on our own resources."
Last year, €360,000 was allocated for an Active Travel Rapid Build on the Cork Road - Kingsmeadow Roundabout to Paddy Brown Road, Paddy Brown road to Whitfield Hospital and Manor St and Cork Road from Johns Lane to Kingsmeadow Roundabout.
The schemes were part of an overall Active Travel Investment Grants totalling just over €9 million. Waterford Council were allocated €1.1 million for active travel staff costs.
