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250 Claims For Trips And Falls Made To Midlands Councils Since 2017

Monday, 17 October 2022 11:00

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.

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