Walkability audit as part of work on Ballymahon Town Centre First Plan

A Ballymahon town walkability audit took place on Monday, September 16, as part of the preparations for the Ballymahon Town Centre First Plan.

It was organised by the Longford Town Centre First team and Age Friendly Longford, both part of Longford County Council. Participants in the audit included representatives from the Town Team, Vision Ireland, the Older Persons Council, and students from Ballymahon Vocational School.

Carried out to assess the walkability of Ballymahon town, the audit also looked at any accessibility issues and challenges for those with reduced mobility. Participants each walked one of four routes in the town noted these issues as well as the many positives Ballymahon has to offer which can be enhanced to improve walkability.

Longford County Council Town Regeneration Officer Lorraine O’Connor and County Librarian Martina Needham started the day with a briefing session. After the walk, participants returned to Ballymahon Library to discuss their findings. A walkability audit report will be prepared and will feed into the Ballymahon Town Centre First Plan.

The Ballymahon Town Centre First Plan will set out a vision for the enhancement of Ballymahon to create a vibrant, viable and attractive location. It will include an action plan to deliver on that vision.

Walkability audits provide the opportunity for Longford County Council to learn from the experiences of people in the local community, including some of the accessibility challenges faced on a daily basis. Longford County Council welcomes the ideas and solutions which were put forward by participants and thanks those that took part in this walkability audit for Ballymahon.