New footpath to Laois school means children are safe to walk the walk
Timahoe NS pupils give a thumbs up to their new footpath
DELIGHTED children at Timahoe NS are proudly and safely walking the walk, after the opening of a vital new footpath on the Stradbally Road.
The lack of a footpath to the school from the housing estate on the busy road has long been a source of frustration for the community of Scoil Mhuire Fatima.
Board of management chairperson John Delaney explained that the road approaching the school is on a downward bend and was “a significant health and safety risk” to the children.
On Friday 8 November, the people responsible for delivering the important project gathered to celebrate a job well done.
Mr Delaney said: “A footpath really should have been installed when the housing estate was built but it never happened, for whatever reason. The sale of the parochial house in recent years had compounded the issue, as previously the children could walk onto parish land for about half the distance between the estate and the school.
“Since the sale of the house, the children had to walk entirely out on the road. So, as a board of management, we are delighted with the outcome of the footpath. The safety of the children is the most important thing.” Mr Delaney thanked neighbouring property owner Jessica Byrne, the parish council, Fr Breen and Fr Vard for their co-operation on the project.
He said: “The footpath has been built inside the ditch, on the land of the school and parish, and crosses the entrance of the neighbouring property, so it was crucial that all parties were on the same wavelength. Everyone had the safety of the children in mind, so that was very pleasing.” School principal Michael McEvoy also expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the footpath, saying: “This is a huge success for the children and has put all our minds at ease. I am very grateful that John and the other members of the board of management made this such a priority action.” Mr McEvoy added: “We are very thankful to cllr Paschal McEvoy for working with Laois County Council on our behalf. He really drove on the project and was key in getting the required budgets in place for the project to happen. I also want to acknowledge and thank councillors PJ Kelly, Aisling Moran, Ben Brennan, Pádraig Fleming and Aidan Mullins, who also pledged funding towards this hugely important project.
“Garda PJ O’Brien and Garda Brian Kelly were also hugely influential in highlighting the significant health and safety issues that existed. This was a key factor in spotlighting the need for the path.” Mr McEvoy also thanked county council interim chief executive Simon Walton and senior engineers Philip McVeigh and Ollie Fennell. He said: “They were great to work with and were very mindful of school operations throughout the project. Thanks to Adil Rehman and the THM Ltd (Total Highway Maintenance) team for doing a great job on the project. We are delighted with the outcome. Parents and children are delighted with the footpath and it is getting great use. An all-round good news story!”
