FINE Gael councillor Sarah Kiely has put her foot down with Limerick City and County Council in relation to uncompleted footpaths in Kennedy Park.
At a briefing for public representatives for Limerick City East, a report was presented giving details of completed works in the district during 2021.
During the meeting, Cllr Kiely took issue with Kennedy Park’s footpath listed as “completed”.
“I took the opportunity to clarify that discrepancy straight away and pointed out that the paths in Kennedy Park were certainly not completed,” she told the Limerick Post.
“While I acknowledge significant works were completed, it was apparent to me that this report was indeed flawed and inaccurate.
“The footpaths in Kennedy Park had been started earlier in the year and had definitely not been completed. I walk that area most days.”
Cllr Kiely explained that when she raised this issue with the Council there was further clarification.
“I was informed the funding ran out due to the scale of the works required. I was so annoyed and I’m sure that was evident. I immediately asked for the report to be amended. I also requested a new funding source be found as a matter of urgency for this massive oversight and inaccurate report,” Cllr Kiely said.
“I have told the residents of Kennedy Park their paths would be done earlier in 2021. I told them because I got a commitment from the executive this work would be done. I didn’t make it up!
“I will not stand by and be told something will be done and not follow up. It is not who I am and I will not be letting this go until all works are completed.”
Cllr Kiely added that she has now been given a commitment that National Transport Authority (NTA) funding has been applied for and approval is highly likely “as a result of her ongoing representation on this pressing issue”.
In response, Limerick City and County Council said that it carried out works on a number of footpaths in Kennedy Park in 2021 using Active Travel stimulus funds. These includes extensive footpath replacement and upgrade on Bawnmore Road, Walnut Court, Corner of Rathurd Road, and a section of Galvone Road.
“We acknowledge that further works are required in the Kennedy Park area and will consider this as part of our 2022 programme of works,” a council spokesperson said.
