‘Ongoing misuse' of Greenway needs to be addressed - Glynn

More needs to be done to prevent the “ongoing misuse” of the Old Rail Trail Greenway, Cllr Ken Glynn says.

Speaking at the April meeting of the Mullingar Municipal District, Cllr Glynn, who is a regular user of the greenway, said that people are riding horses and letting their dogs run off leads, both of which are contrary to its code of conduct.

Some animal owners are not cleaning up their pets’ waste, which is leaving a negative impression with people who use the greenway and the canal.

“More enforcement is needed. It is a facility for everyone. People can feel overrun. Dogs are running freely or there are horses. It’s not good enough.”
Showcased

Cllr Glynn also said that the council should ensure that the greenway is “heavily showcased ahead of the tourist season, as a major attraction for this area”. Responding to Cllr Glynn’s query, the council said that a new brand and digital marketing plan has been prepared for the county’s blueways and greenways and that content is being developed for a new website – visitwestmeath.ie.

“Promotion will take place throughout the summer, which will showcase the Old Rail Trail Greenway and other opportunities for outdoor recreation in the county.”
Welcoming the news, Cllr Glynn said that he was anxious that the greenway is promoted, as it is competing against similar amenities in Westport and Waterford.

He added that the lack of facilities along the route is “still a concern” and that local entrepreneurs need to be encouraged to open businesses along it.

Cllr Emily Wallace said that while the promotional plan is to be welcomed, there are other more pressing concerns such as erecting adequate signage for the entrances to the greenway around Mullingar as well as signage for the car park in Clonmore.

“There is a whole lot more that needs to be done before any promotional videos are filmed,” she said.