Fine Gael Deputy Ciaran Cannon has welcomed the publication of five preferred routes for the development of a greenway connecting Galway city to Athlone and on to Dublin, thus forming part of Ireland's longest greenway.
The routes have been published by the greenway project team which is based in Ballinasloe, and the public are now invited to have their say by engaging in a consultation process that will run from January 25 to February 26.
"This is a very significant milestone in the development of a world class greenway connecting Dublin to Galway and it's wonderful to see this next phase of public consultation getting underway. I'm very grateful to the project team for their work to date, and it's interesting to note that four out of the five suggested routes all go through Athenry, something I have always suggested.
Public consultation
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"This Dublin to Galway greenway will ultimately have to connect with the Athenry to Enniskillen greenway, and it makes absolute sense for the two routes to be connected at Athenry town", said Deputy Cannon.
In response to current COVID-19 restrictions around holding public events, the greenway project team is developing an online public consultation experience on the project website. This online public experience will allow stakeholders and the general public to view maps, project information and express their opinion in a safe and accessible environment.
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It will be available via www.galwaytoathlonecycleway.com and will go live on January 25 2021. An interactive map of the route corridor options, and a consultation questionnaire will be available via the online consultation experience. A printed consultation brochure and questionnaire will also be distributed by post to landowners, residents and businesses throughout the study area.
'Excellent opportunity'
"This is an excellent opportunity for the public to play an active part in the design process, and I would encourage people to do exactly that. This greenway will transform so many rural East Galway communities and each community needs to have their say in how the greenway is developed.
"I know from speaking to members of the project team that they are particularly anxious to engage in a really meaningful way with individual landowners, and ensuring that their voice is heard and respected. We are now on to the next crucial phase of this groundbreaking development", concluded Deputy Cannon.
