Cllr Dr Evelyn Parsons has joined with other local Independent representatives, Deputy Sean Canney, Deputy Denis Naughten, Cllr Tim Broderick, and Cllr Gabe Connolly in calling on local communities to make a submission on the new Athlone to Galway greenway, seeking a route from Athlone and Ballinasloe through to Athenry and then on to Galway City.
Cllr Dr Parsons said; "The advantage of taking such a route is the substantial amount of State owned and publicly controlled land, which would reduce the need to acquire land from farmers.
"Such a wide study route could for example incorporate places such as Ahascragh, Aughrim, Kilconnell, New Inn, Mountbellew, Menlough, Woodlawn, Bullaun, Attymon, Kiltullagh, Esker, and many others of huge historic or tourist significance either directly or via a spur off the greenway.
''Ballinasloe and east Galway towns and villages have a wealth of cultural, heritage, ecclesiastical gems, sports activities, and outdoor experiences as well as scenic rural landscapes to offer cyclists, tourists, and walkers along the National Greenway Route. We are asking individuals and communities to get their submissions in before the deadline of September 7 in this first phase of public consultation.''
She continued; "While this project is at an early stage of planning it is important that local communities let the consultants working on the project know what local areas have to offer and to also express their support in principle for a cycleway linking Athlone to Ballinasloe to Athenry and right through to Galway City."
