Fine Gael councillor, John Dolan, has called for the introduction of shelters and picnic areas along the Greenway.
Cllr Dolan told the chamber at Monday’s meeting of the Athlone Municipal District that he was approached recently by a user of the Greenway from Kildare, who brought up the need for the facilities to be provided.
Cllr Dolan said many people find the Greenway a long distance to travel, and that people need a place to stop, get shelter or recuperate before continuing on their journey.
Independent councillor, Michael O’Brien, said he uses the Greenway frequently and often sees families having picnics on the unused rail track. He said there is definitely scope for the introduction of picnic facilities and that the bad weather Ireland gets makes providing shelters a good idea.
Director of services, Barry Kehoe, said outdoor recreation schemes may be possible. However, he expressed concern that any shelters installed could become beacons for anti-social behaviour. As a result, Mr Kehoe said it is more likely that picnic areas and stop-off areas can be introduced rather than shelters.
