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€190,000 secured for major improvements to footpaths across west Waterford.

€190,000 secured for major improvements to footpaths across west Waterford.

€190,000 has been secured to undertake major improvements to footpaths across west Waterford.

Councillor Conor McGuinness says this fund is something he has been calling for since first being elected to the council a little over three years ago.

"I think my views on the subject are well known," Councillor McGuinness told WLR News, "and I've been fairly consistent in saying that residential areas need to be looked after as well as maybe the town centres.

"I actually feel it's unfair that residents of housing estates and residential streets are left feeling unsafe or insecure when navigating footpaths."

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The Sinn Féin representative feels people are at risk of injury in some areas at the moment because of the poor repair these footpaths are in.

"This is especially true for older residents," he continued, "I know a lot of people who might be a little bit concerned or feel they are taking their health in their hands, they're putting themselves at a bit of risk when they step out and go for a walk or go down to the shop.

"They don't want to take the risk of maybe falling or tripping and maybe breaking something and ending up in hospital."

The council has carried out improvement works to walkways in many areas in recent years, but Councillor McGuinness claims they have been focused on upgrading the public realm works in town centres rather than repairing footpaths in residential areas.

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Council management had initially proposed a fund of €70,000 but a further €120,000 has now also been set aside.

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