Active Travel works have commenced this week outside Scoil an Bhaile Nua in Newtown, Kilmacthomas.

The works, which were opposed by many locals when first put forward, have proceeded nonetheless.

Concerns have been expressed by the school’s Board of Management and parents, with numerous meetings held at which opposition was expressed.

Local parent Kieran Sullivan believes the new system will be unsafe and he claims there was a “lack of consultation”.

“It was very much a case of take it or leave it, this is what’s happening,” he said.

“We’re now left with safety risks that weren’t there before the council intervened.”

Pat Keane from the school’s Board of Management highlighted the cost of the project, believed to be around €175,000.

“We’re a rural community, we already have plenty of activity, and we have a system that’s working very well,” he said.

“I don’t know how anyone can justify spending that amount of money on a footpath.”

See a video from Newtown below and hear more on WLR ⬇

WLR has been reporting on numerous Active Travel projects across the area which have caused controversy, including in Tramore and Waterford City.