Local councillors had a chance to check on the progress of the Greenway cycleway project as works reached Moate last week.
Of the total 276 km proposed route, the 40km section between Mullingar and Athlone includes the refurbishment of Moate Station - which will start in January.
Westmeath County Council received a €4m grant from the DTT&S and commenced construction in early September. Progress to date includes vegetation removal, drainage, ducting, and sub-base installation which is well advanced.
The Westmeath portion of the project runs from Garrycastle along the disused railway corridor for 40km to Mullingar providing an off-road facility. At Mullingar it connects to the existing 27km cycleway along the Royal Canal that extends to the Meath border. There are access points at seven locations along the route where the greenway interfaces with the existing local road network.
Part 8 planning approval will be sought for the section between Garrycastle and the Athlone Marina by summer 2015. A new bridge will be provided across the Shannon - between the marina and the promenade. This section will include a cycle hub at Athlone Castle.
Public consultations took place in October on the proposed corridor for the 140 km section between Athlone and Galway City. The timing on the full delivery of the entire scheme will depend on the availability of funding.
