A scenic pathway and footbridges spanning the shoreline between Salthill and Silverstrand is the subject of a major new planning application.
The Galway City Council has applied to the Department of the Environment for a foreshore licence to pave the way for a continuous coastal walkway. Applications to the Department can be a protracted process.
Apart from amenity uses, the proposed walkway is also intended to be a barrier against coastal erosion.
Environmental and engineering surveys have been carried out between Sailín and Silverstrand, which includes prominent drumlins at Knocknagoneen and Gentian Hill. Erosion has caused significant damage to the geographical features and has left cliff faces at both locations in a dangerous condition. Remedial work will take place to make these areas safe as part of the project.
The planning application has been welcomed by Fine Gael Galway West TD Brian Walsh, who said the walkway “represents a great opportunity to construct an important amenity” and enhance tourism west of the city.
He added that a coastal protection scheme is also “urgently required to ensure Silverstrand beach and Lough Rusheen are not lost to erosion
