Plan outlined for new 'Greenway Recreation Hub' at Grange South

Plans for a new park that is set to transform the western approach to Mullingar town are now on public display and on the council website.

Westmeath County Council has drawn plans for a ‘Greenway Recreation Hub’ at Grange South – which will see a range of junior bike trails, walking and cycling trails and an activity wall provided.

As part of the plan, the council also plans to extend the cycle path on the Patrick Street side of the canal in as far as the Green Bridge – which will benefit the residents of areas such as Market Point and Ennell Court, adjacent to the greenway but currently unable to easily access it.

A new pedestrian bridge over the Royal Canal is also proposed: it is to go adjacent to the Green Bridge in line with the existing pedestrian crossing on the Clonmore Road. The possible future removal of the existing pedestrian bridge over the Royal Canal at Market Point is also proposed.

The entire site measures approximately 1.6km in length from the Newbrook bridge to the Green bridge, and it covers an area of 3.3 hectares.

The recreational hub is to account for 2 hectares on the western end, to take in the existing Newbrook Amenity Area described as “a strategic juncture” where the Royal Canal Greenway and the Old Rail Trail meet.

A future playground is proposed adjacent to the existing Newbrook amenity area but this is not included in the funding for the Greenway Recreation Hub at Grange South.

The plans and drawings are now at www.westmeathcoco.ie, or can be inspected at the council offices up to August 27.

Anyone wishing to make a submission or an observation on the plan has until September 10 to do so.