On the right path at last in Drumconrath

Work starts on the construction of a new footpath from the village of Drumconrath to the local football pitch this week.

Delighted residents are looking forward to the completion of the path, which will provide a safe route between the village and the playing field, on what has been described "an extremely busy and dangerous road."

The work will also include the restoration of stone walls constructed in the 1700s. "This new footpath is an important and very welcome piece of infrastructure that will add to the health and safety of pedestrians using this road, especially at the top of Birdhill as the road gets narrow," said local councillor, Michael Gallagher.

"This footpath will link the village with the GAA pitch, where there a flood-lit walking track surrounding the pitch. The GAA club has done great work for the community over the years."

"This is something that I have looked for, for years. I proposed a motion at the Kells Municipal meetings and raised the need for this footpath to be delivered as a priority for the safety of the people using this road."

Cllr Gallagher explained the €200,000 cost of the project is funded by an Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme grant.

"This grant was applied for by the recently formed Tidy Towns group, which have done great work in the village," he said.

Peter O'Halloran, chairman of the Tidy Towns Committee said the footpath was very badly needed.

"It is very dangerous to have walk along that road. It is very busy - it is the road to Dublin and Slane and it gets very narrow in places. It will be great to have a footpath to link the village to the football field."

Mr O'Halloran pointed out that the GAA club had done great work to get a floodlit footpath around the pitch, which as very well used.

"It is a great amenity. People from other parishes come out to walk on it," he said.

"The new footpath will provide a safe way for people to walk out to use the football pitch or to use the circular walkway."

He said the restoration of the old walls was also important.

"These walls were built in the 1700s to serve the local big house, Aclare Manor. They have been falling down with stones falling out onto the road. It will be great to see them restored."

Mr O'Halloran said the Tidy Towns group is only two years old, but they have a small, good working committee.

"I'd like to thank, Mary O'Neill, in particular, who did most of the paper work to allow this project go ahead, along with Michael Gallagher Junior and our treasurer, Gavin Byrne."

He also paid tribute to the GAA club and in particular, Paul Carey and Joanna Duff.