Call to prioritise new footpath linking Colpe and Donacarney

A NEW footpath linking Colpe and Donacarney should be prioritised to provide safer access to schools and local amenities, councillors heard at the latest meeting of the Laytown–Bettystown Municipal District.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Stephen McKee tabled a motion calling on Meath County Council, as part of the Local Transport Plan for South Drogheda and East Meath, to prioritise the development of a footpath between Donacarney and Colpe to meet the needs of local residents and provide a safe alternative to travelling by car.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr McKee said the project would significantly improve access to schools along the Mill Road, where a number of schools are not currently safely accessible on foot or by bicycle.

“There are a number of schools on the Mill Road that are not safely accessible on foot,” he said, adding that many parents are forced to drive their children to school because of traffic and the lack of safe walking routes.

McKee said recent progress had been made in improving pedestrian infrastructure in the area, including the development of a footpath between Gaelscoil An Bhradáin Feasa and Drogheda Educate Together National School, but said further work was needed.

“The obvious next project would be to link the route from Colpe down to Donacarney,” he said.

“If that section was joined up, you could walk all the way from Colpe to the beach. At the moment the only part you can’t safely walk is between Colpe and Donacarney.”

He said the route could also potentially form part of a future greenway connection, benefiting both residents and tourism.

Fine Gael Cllr Sharon Tolan supported the proposal and said improved walking and cycling infrastructure was essential for encouraging active travel in the area.

She pointed to the success of the Bettystown–Donacarney walking and cycling route, saying it had made a significant difference for families accessing schools and local amenities.

“It’s incredible to see the number of children and parents now walking and cycling, not just to school but also using the route at weekends,” she said.

However, she said projects needed to be progressed more efficiently.

“I don’t understand why we seem to be delivering these schemes very piecemeal,” she said, adding that the council should ensure new projects are ready to progress as existing schemes are completed.

Independent Cllr Carol Lennon also supported the motion, saying the lack of safe walking and cycling infrastructure remains a major issue for families.

“We are encouraging children and young people to cycle and use active travel, but we don’t have the safe routes for them,” she said.

The council response noted that a footpath between Donacarney and Colpe has already been identified as a high priority route in the Laytown–Bettystown Walking and Cycling Study carried out as part of the Local Transport Plan.

Officials said work is currently progressing on Route P1, which includes the Tara Road (completed), Eastham Road (advance works beginning in 2026) and the Bettystown–Donacarney section, which has already been completed.

Cllr McKee welcomed confirmation that the proposed link is recognised as a priority route.

“It is clear that a footpath linking Donacarney to Colpe is badly needed to meet the needs of local residents and provide a safe and viable alternative to the car,” he said.

“I will keep the pressure on to ensure that this project comes to fruition as soon as possible.”