Laois appears to have some of the safest footpaths in Ireland, according to new data.
Midlands counties have some of the highest and lowest rates of public injury payouts by local authorities in Ireland.
Between 2017 and June 2022, 250 claims for trips and falls were made to county councils in the region - 125 in Westmeath, 74 in Offaly and 51 in Laois.
According to data in the Irish Independent, €5.6 million was paid out over the last five years.
Westmeath had the 13th highest payout reach in the country, at €2.8 million.
Offaly County Council paid out €2 million, while Laois appears to have some of the safest footpaths in Ireland, having paid out just €737,000.
Per 100,000 population, Westmeath had 130 claims, Offaly had 90 and Laois and 56.
Solicitor Stuart Gilhooly, who specialises in injury cases, argues hundreds of claims aren’t successful:
Nationally, council paid out nearly €150 million in the last five and a half years relating to trips and falls on footpaths.
Dublin's local authorities have paid out over €66 million between them.
Cork County and City councils didn't provide data to the newspaper.
Family ‘Deeply Concerned’ For Missing Laois Woman’s Safety
“We’re At A Tipping Point” - Aontú On Accommodation Protests
Dementia Conference Coming To The Midlands Next Month
Midlands Student Wins Two Awards For Research On Energy Crisis
Midlands Disabilities Day Service Wins Travel School Of The Year In The Region
New Funding Good Opportunity To Rebuild Midlands Sports Facility
Midlands Local Authority To Release Plan To Tackle Noise Pollution
Over 1,000 Marriages In The Midlands In 2023
Offaly €150k Scratch Winner Is A Repeat Winner
Fourth Consecutive Decrease In Midlands Homelessness
Emergency Services At Scene Of Westmeath Crash
Noah Kahan, Calvin Harris And Kylie To Headline Electric Picnic 2024
Offaly's €550k Just Transition Funding 'A Slap In The Face' - Fianna Fáil
Nine Finalist Spot For The Midlands In Digital Town Awards
Substantial Amount Of Cash And Drugs Seized In Laois To Be Sent For Examination
Concerns Around Traffic Noise Pollution Underlined In Offaly Noise Action Plan
€18k Made Available To Fund Midlands Age And Opportunity Programme
Housing Minister Predicts Falling Midlands Homelessness
€200,000 In Cash And Substantial Amount Of Drugs Seized In Laois
Massive Laois Operation Leads To Multiple Arrests In Connection With Stolen Vehicles