Cllr Phelan highlighted how popular the blueway is with cyclists

Cllr Vivienne Phelan said that the request had been put to her by several different people in Stradbally and by many families of older people living in the area w

The company was also granted permission to erect approximately 22,753m (14 miles) of boundary security fencing around its site.

Now entering its 61st year, the National Steam Rally is set to return on Sunday and Monday 3 and 4 August.

"We all have personal experiences but, they’re not facts," challenged the councillor.