New footpath in Tramore improves safety and connectivity for residents
For many years, wheelchair user Helen Cullen found it difficult to exit the front of her home on the Waterford Road in Tramore. “I didn’t feel safe coming onto a main road and having to look through the windows of parked cars just to see if I could access the route to the beach or town,” Helen said.
Following the completion of a new footpath delivered by Waterford City and County Council under its Active Travel Programme, safety and connectivity have now significantly improved for Helen and other residents in the area.
“Before the works, I had to use my back entrance, but now I can safely use a new ramp and wheel straight onto a lovely new footpath and go about my day,” Helen said. “The new path has made the area much safer. The place looks fresher and better. It’s great.”
The new footpath connects to existing pedestrian infrastructure and serves as an important link for people walking to local destinations such as Tramore AFC and Tramore GAA Club. It also improves access for those who use the route to walk to the Ring Road and the town centre.
The Waterford Road, Tramore Active Travel scheme is part of Waterford City and County Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable, active travel options for residents and visitors. Construction recently started on a dedicated two-way cycle track on the Tramore Ring Road.
“We all know how important it is to feel safe walking in our own communities,” said Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Séamus Ryan. “Whether it’s a child walking to football training, someone from the area heading into town, or a wheelchair user like Helen coming out her front door, this new footpath is already making a real difference. It’s part of our ongoing work to make Tramore and Waterford safer, more connected, and easier to get around on foot or by bike.”
Tramore AFC also welcomed the new footpath. Club Treasurer Stuart Kennedy said: “Our members, especially the younger ones, now have a safe route to walk to training and matches. Parents can feel confident knowing their children are walking safely on the new path, without having to navigate a busy road.”
ENDS
Photos: Helen Cullen
