Streamstown has bright future as greenway hub

Hopes are high that the renovation works currently taking place at Streamstown train station can help it become Westmeath’s answer to Kilmacthomas, the village that has flourished since the opening of the Waterford Greenway.

The renovation work on the picturesque station, which is being carried out by local building firm Maurice McCormack Construction, is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. In addition to a new coffee shop, the work includes the installation of toilets and charging points for electric cars and bikes, while new ramps were installed recently to make it easier for cyclists coming on and off the greenway.

Streamstown Station is already firmly established as a popular amenity, thanks in no small part to the work carried out in recent years by Streamstown Tidy Village Committee. The community playground, which was opened in 2019, attracts young families from as far as Mullingar, while the number of locals and visitors using the Old Rail Trail Greenway is growing all the time. The committee’s collection of vintage farm machinery, which has all been donated by members of the community, is also popular with visitors.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Noel McCormack, secretary of Streamstown Tidy Village Committee, says that the playground and greenway has given young and old a much needed outlet over the last 18 months. He also paid tribute to local Rural Social Scheme workers, who keep the amenity looking well all year round.

“It has got very popular, especially during the pandemic. It is a very safe playground, and mammy and daddy can go for a walk too.”

The development of the greenway network has had a positive impact on rural communities across the country. Citing the example of the village of Kilmacthomas, which is located at the midway point on the Waterford Greenway, Noel says that the committee has high hopes for the future, particularly when the Athlone to Galway section of the greenway is completed. Work is also ongoing on the greenway linking Streamstown to the Grand Canal Greenway track at Kilbeggan.

Like Noel, Cllr Tom Farrell says that the future of Streamstown is looking bright. “Streamstown is going to become a focal point along the greenway due to its link with the Royal Canal in Kilbeggan and its proximity to the Hill of Uisneach. It’s located in an area that has a rich history and even the station itself has a rich history. It is a lovely spot and is rural Ireland at its best.

“I think Streamstown has a huge future. It reminds me a small bit of Kilmacthomas. We have seen there what can be done and I think that Streamstown could end up as something like that,” he said.