03-08-2002
Slí na Sláinte launch in Mountmellick
A new Slí na Sláinte walking route has been launched in Mountmellick, making it only the second such route in the country.
Officially launched in O'Connell Square on Tuesday last, July 23, Mountmellick by Mayor Joe Digan, the route funded by the Midland Health Promotion Service and Laois County Council took over 12 months to complete and is a joint venture between St. Vincent's Hospital, Mountmellick and the local community, including Mountmellick Development Association and the Town Commission.
Present for the launch included Michael Gormley, Chairman of Mountmellick Town Council, Deputy John Moloney, Eamonn Dooley, Vice Chairman of the Midland Health Board and representatives of the Irish Heart Foundation. Also present was Ms Catherine O'Keefe, Director of Nursing in St. Vincent's Hospital.
Ms June Boulger of the Midland Health Board presented a short speech on the benefits of walking on the day, following which Mayor Digan unveiled the main map board and joined other representatives for a short walk along the route.
Speaking at the launch, Ms Barbara Dalton, Programme Manager of Slí na Sláinte said: "We are delighted to open this new route. It is important that adults engage in 30 minutes physical activity, preferably on a daily basis, as part of a healthy lifestyle. Walking is an ideal way to do just that".
Slí na Sláinte (Path to Health) is described as a simple and effective scheme developed by the Irish Heart Foundation to encourage people of all ages to walk for leisure and for good health. Attractive signage is used at kilometre intervals so that people will know the distance they are walking and so can plan and maximise walking time. It provides an easily accessible and inexpensive environment for regular exercise. It is well know that walking provides many benefits, such as maintaining a stronger heart, improving muscle strength and managing weight.
The route is 6.9 km in length and begins at O'Connell Square. It then follows Patrick Street, Emmet Street and Chapel Street before turning left onto the Tullamore Road. Turning left at the Graigue Cemetery onto the New Road, the route continues onto Station Road and Wolfe Tone Street passing the Garda Station, it turns right onto Manor Road, passing Owenass Bridge and Derrycloney Bridge before turning left onto the main Portlaoise Road. The route then turns back towards Mountmellick via Fox's Corner and St. Vincent's Hospital.
