Council has no plans to reopen Belvedere's walkways

Westmeath County Council has no plans to reopen Belvedere Gardens while the current restrictions are in place.

Following the controversial closure of Scragh Bog by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage earlier this month, there were renewed calls by members of the public for the council to re-open the walkways at Belvedere.

When contacted by the Westmeath Examiner, a council spokesperson said that Belvedere will not be reopening for some time.

“There are no plans to reopen Belvedere Gardens at this time but the situation will be kept under review in light of ongoing national and public health guidance.”

The local authority's decision to close Belvedere in early January when Level 5 restrictions were re-introduced was questioned by a number of county councillors, including Cllr Emily Wallace.

The Fine Gael councillor said at the time that many people living within five kilometres of Belvedere depended on its walkways for exercise as they lived in rural locations and did not feel safe walking along roads.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner this week, Cllr Wallace says that the argument for reopening Belvedere to season ticket holders who live within 5km is even stronger now than it was in January.

She pointed out that the amount of traffic is significantly higher now than during the first lockdown making it more dangerous for walkers or runners who live in rural areas to exercise.

She also said that the current lockdown has taken its toll on many people's mental health. Being able to exercise and switch off is more important now than ever before.

"Life is not great at the minute even though there is a lot to be positive about with the weather improving and the nights getting shorter. "

She added that for the elderly and families with young children, Belvedere's walkways provide a "safe environment" where they can exercise, "breathe" and try to de-stress.

Speaking in January, the chief executive of Westmeath County Council Pat Gallagher said that the decision was taken on the basis that most people who visit Belvedere travel more than 5km to get there.