The massive interest in the Athlone to Galway Greenway was illustrated by the packed attendances at a series of online meetings last week organsied by Sen Aisling Dolan and Minister Anne Rabbitte.
Min Rabbitte hosted an online meeting last Thursday to discuss the route options being considered for the next phase of the Galway to Athlone Greenway. The capacity limit of 100 was reached with residents across the Galway East constituency attending.
A presentation was delivered by Minister Rabbitte detailing the greenway’s timeline for completion, the benefits of the greenway for various towns and villages along it, the routes being considered, and how to submit feedback.
Representatives from Galway County Council, RPS Design Consultants and the IFA also made presentations, with the latter voicing the concerns of farmers and landowners along the route and how it may impact them.
The presentations were followed by a questions and answers session.
Minister Rabbitte said: “At a time when public meetings in local halls can’t happen, it was great to see the capacity limit maxed out on Zoom, with even more people queueing to get access to the meeting. It’s indicative of the appetite for such a project to become reality in the years ahead.
“There was plenty of feedback provided during the Q&A session at the meeting, and, generally, acceptance that a greenway can provide a major boost to tourism and businesses, as well providing a superb outlet for locals. A number of farmers and landowners aired concerns around how the route chose may impact their lands. Such concerns need to be addressed and all stakeholders along the chosen route will form part of discussions when the time comes.”
Minister Rabbitte is urging people to ‘submit feedback’ regarding the options available.
“There will be different views on which route people prefer and I strongly encourage people to submit feedback on which route should be chosen. People need to have their say.
“I believe that Route 4 and Route 5 are strong contenders as they traverse South Galway, which is majorly lacking such a cycleway. Route 4 stretches from Oranmore to Clarinbridge, Kinvara, Gort and towards Woodford. Route 5 heads from Athenry towards Loughrea, Woodford and then on to Portumna, Eyrecourt and over to Shannonbridge.
“Either route would increase access to the sprawling beauty of South Galway and all it has to offer. It really would be a major boost to the southern half of the county, attracting more tourists less familiar with the area and its hidden gems,” concluded Minister Rabbitte.
Just under 200 people attended two public information meetings on the Galway to Athlone Cycleway this week hosted by Aisling Dolan, Senator for Roscommon-Galway, proving that community engagement over Zoom is alive and well.
The Fine Gael Senator is backing the North Green Route Number 1 and the Central Blue Route Number 3 through Ballinasloe to make our towns and villages come alive. The Cycleway will eventually create a dedicated 270km Cycleway world class amenity for families, communities and tourists from Dublin to Galway city.
“It’s incredible to see this level of interest in the Cycleway,” said Senator Dolan. “With Level-5 restrictions we couldn’t hold public town hall meetings so zoom calls offered people an option to log online or dial in by phone and learn more about what is happening, ask questions on what a cycleway can bring to their area from the project team. Local public and IFA representatives, community groups, farmers, businesses and families attended with close to 100 attendees each night – it just shows we want a Cycleway in East Galway and Roscommon!”
The format of the meetings included a short videos showcasing towns and villages on each route. “We have so many hidden treasures with such iconic heritage and culture – there is so much to see and do and now is the time to shout out about it. I would encourage everyone to make a submission on why a Cycleway in your area would be a fantastic experience for walkers and cyclists. Having safe places to walk and cycle in rural areas for young families, older people, people with disabilities is vital for our region. Cycling is for all ages and a cycleway will also be accessible to walkers and people with wheelchairs and prams. The general public consultation deadline is the 1st March.”
Cian McGuinness from RPS Consultants, engineers on Galway to Athlone Cycleway project gave an overview on Cycleways at both meetings. The project team based in Ballinasloe also includes engineers from local authorities in Westmeath, Roscommon and Galway. Fintan O’Meara, engineer with Galway County Councils also contributed noting how the ‘Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs )’ section on the website www.galwaytoathlonecycleway.com has been recently updated with information on agronomists, land acquisition concerns.
