A local Councillor has highlighted the tourism potential of Rosenallis, whilst also urging for better care of the rivers in the area.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus McDonald was speaking at the November meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District.
Cllr McDonald began by urging the County Council to make upgrades at the Cathole Falls.
“I know Laois County Council has done trajan work in Glenbarrow carpark to great success.
“But the Catholes attracts a lot of swimmers in the summertime and people coming to have picnics.
“But in recent times, it has been neglected; so I am appealing to Laois County Council to pay attention to this area.”
The motion was strongly supported by Cllrs Paddy Bracken and Conor Bergin.
Mr. Donal Brennan, Director of Services said a meeting will be arranged on site with Cllr McDonald to examine potential works and funding sources.
Mr Brennan also advised that the Council would need to await the results of a previous Clár application before assigning funds.
Turning his attention to rivers, Cllr McDonald asked the Council to survey the River bank downstream at Clonduff.
Cllr McDonald also requested an update on progress on the River Barrow bridge at Rearyalley.
Mr. Edmond Kenny, District Engineer said:
“In the New Year, when water levels have rescinded enough, the River Barrow at Clonduff will be inspected.
“Repairs to the bridge structure (at Rearyalley) and the construction of a fish pass are proposed.
“Due to the extent of the works proposed and the sensitivities of the river an application to An Bord Pleanala is required.
“Ecologists have been engaged to prepare a Natura Impact Statement to assess the likely impacts the proposed project will have on the River Barrow Special Area of Conservation.
“The Natura Impact Statement will be complete in December 2023 with an application to An Bord Pleanala in the Spring of 2024.”
Cllr McDonald was unimpressed, however, saying he was “tired of getting the same reply” on a matter he has been raising “two or three times a year for the last nine or ten years.”
Party colleague, Cllr Paddy Bracken supported the motion, urging the Council to solve the issue as quickly as possible.
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