I am in complete concordance with Cathal Melinn’s viewpoint on the significance of side roads and footways, as stated in his letter dated September 20th.
During my tenure as a county councillor in Wicklow, I proposed the incorporation of a statement into the county development scheme. It was as follows: “Side roads ought to be accessible, sufficiently illuminated and designed in a way that allows for easy surveillance.” Rather than confining pedestrians and cyclists to restricted, shadowy concrete corridors, we should encourage the creation of connections between residential areas.
Any newly constructed residential complexes should be planned with the capacity to connect with future development projects. We should also endeavour to establish new footpaths similar to the “Mass Paths” that were cherished and regularly utilised by older generations.
Well- thought-out pedestrian paths can contribute significantly to both urban and rural areas.
Yours sincerely,
Kathleen Kelleher, Greystones, Co Wicklow.