Residents seek talks on proposed pedestrian link

Residents of Lagavooren Manor in Drogheda are calling for greater engagement from Meath County Council over plans to improve pedestrian access between their estate and neighbouring Avourwen.

The issue follows a recent motion brought before Meath County Council seeking the development of a safe pedestrian link between the two housing estates, a proposal welcomed by many residents in Avourwen who say it would improve accessibility and connectivity.

However, some residents of Lagavooren Manor say they feel their concerns have not been fully represented in the public discussion and are seeking an opportunity to engage directly with the council before any decisions are made regarding the location and design of a pathway.

Martin Nesbitt, whose home is one of 11 properties directly facing the green area where the pathway is proposed, said residents are not opposed to improved connectivity but want assurances that their concerns will be properly considered.

“We're not against it,” he said. “What we want is engagement from Meath County Council. We want to understand what any proposal would look like and how it would impact the residents who live directly beside the green area.”

The proposed route would pass through a green space in Lagavooren Manor that residents say has served as a communal amenity area for more than two decades. Mr Nesbitt said concerns centre around privacy, security and the future use of the green area.

“That green area has always been a community space where children play football, ride their bikes and spend time outdoors,” he said. “If a pathway is developed, residents want to know how much of that space will be affected and what measures will be put in place to address issues such as security, lighting and maintenance.”

Residents have also raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area and believe these issues should be taken into account as part of any future planning process.

Mr Nesbitt said residents had requested a meeting with Avourwen residents and local representatives earlier this year following an online petition supporting the pathway proposal.

According to residents, discussions highlighted differing views on the issue and demonstrated the need for further consultation before any final decisions are made.

“We felt that our concerns weren't being heard,” he said. “We're not trying to stop progress, but we do want to be part of the conversation about what happens in our community.”

A motion seeking a pedestrian link was subsequently passed by Meath County Council, despite concern from some councillors, including Cllr Carol Lennon, who had met with residents to discuss their worries.

Mr Nesbitt said residents were disappointed by the outcome and believe there should be a formal process of engagement with those most directly affected. “As far as we're concerned, we're entitled to be engaged with on something that will have a significant impact on our community,” he said. “The motion has passed, but we still have questions about what happens next and what any future pathway would actually look like.”

Among the questions residents want answered are how much of the green area could be affected, whether lighting and security measures would be included, who would be responsible for maintenance and liability issues, and what steps would be taken to address concerns around privacy for nearby homes.

Residents have written to councillors and council officials seeking a meeting and say they remain hopeful that a constructive dialogue can take place.

“We're not trying to make enemies out of our neighbours,” Mr Nesbitt added. “We understand why people want better connectivity. The bigger issue is that the infrastructure hasn't kept pace with the scale of development in the area. What we're asking for is meaningful consultation and a solution that works for everyone.”

Residents say they now hope to meet with council officials and elected representatives to ensure their concerns are considered before any final decisions are taken regarding the proposed pathway.