Local Fine Gael Senator, Aisling Dolan, has welcomed the news of imminent works to clear the overgrowth along the River Suck waterways.
“I’ve worked with the local authority representatives to clear up the Slí na hAbhainn water channel that goes along the park opposite our marina. It is a fantastic green space with walkways along the river and incredible Elizabethan bridge arches – it is a jewel in Ballinasloe, although a dusty jewel at the moment and completely covered in overgrowth. I’d like to thank our engineers and technicians for the Municipal District, our local authority and the contractors who plan to start works in the next couple of weeks.
“The Sli na hAbhainn channel forms part of the Suck drainage district and these works will involve the removal of vegetation, silt, litter and other waste from the channel from Bridge St to the Marina.
“It will transform Slí na hAbhainn park and it is perfect for a 10 minute walk around town, for people shopping or visiting, for locals and people working in town, it is a place for families to enjoy this park as they stroll around Ballinasloe which is looking so well after the Shopfront Enhancement Scheme.
“It is also necessary to have such works completed as we are coming into the winter months. This section of the canal close to St Michael’s Square has been prone to flooding and we need to keep our waterways clear. Many residents love this park and were in touch with me last year on how to improve the area.
“This is also the location of our new bus station in Ballinasloe and wouldn’t it be fantastic to also develop a playground and skating park in the area.
“For many people bypassing the town around by the Marina and the Shearwater Hotel, this is their first impression of Ballinasloe along by Slí na hAbhainn park. There is so much potential to highlight the arches of the impressive 15th century Elizabethan bridge and light up this section. Our local engineers have let me know that they plan to conduct a feasibility study of the bridges”
“All of these works - the multi-million euro street enhancement project, the matched funding commitment by businesses with our local authority to enhance shopfronts and give the town a facelift along with Community Employment (CE ) projects and now, the works to clear our waterways – it’s making Ballinasloe look it’s best and you can feel the community pride when visitors walk around and compliment our town,” Senator Dolan asserted.
