Work is set to begin next week to build a footpath which will connect a Laois town to its graveyard.
From Wednesday, work will start on building a footpath that will join Stradbally and Oakvale Cemetery on the Carlow Road.
At present, a person can walk on a footpath from the top of the town all the way down to the Kylebeg Manor Estate.
However, if a person wishes to walk the rest of the way to the graveyard, they must walk along the busy N80 for about 300 metres.
Getting this footpath built has been a key focus for Cllr Paschal McEvoy since his election 2014.
And the Fianna Fail Councillor, speaking at a meeting of the Graiguecullen-Portarlington District yesterday, welcomed the news.
He said: “Work is to begin on the footpath from Stradbally to the graveyard next Wednesday.
“This is badly needed and everyone in Stradbally will be deeply appreciative when it is done.
“There will be a controlled pedestrian crossing installed as well. I want to recognise all the people who have fought for this.
“Former Councillor Tom Mulhall in particular worked hard on this and it is great news for Stradbally.”
Cllrs Ben Brennan, Aidan Mullins, Aisling Moran, PJ Kelly and Padraig Fleming also welcomed the news.
With Cllr Brennan said: “It will be fantastic that people will be able to walk up there safely.”
At the meeting, Cllr McEvoy had a motion down that called on the Council to replace the railing at the corner of Church Avenue in Stradbally.
He explained how it was knocked a few times and was told by engineer Philip McVeigh that the Council has engaged a contractor to repair it.
In another motion, Cllr McEvoy asked that the Council install a ‘Dangerous Bends Ahead’ warning sign between McCormack’s Cross and Timahoe.
He told the meeting that there is a school bus to Heywood CS that goes from this location and many children walk down there.
It was agreed that the Council would inspect the area with a view to installing additional signage.
Finally, Cllr McEvoy called on the council to carry out an inspection on the old Dublin Road at Treacy’s Cross as he says it is in a bad state.
He said: “It is in a very bad state for about one mile. Potholes everywhere.”
Cllr PJ Kelly added: “It goes from Treacy’s all the way to the Wheel Inn.”
Engineer Philip McVeigh informed them that although repairs here were not initially included in the Road’s Programme, additional funding had been found for this work.
