New Greenway access point in Moate opens to the public

A new entry point to the Old Rail Trail Greenway at Toorphelim on the Rosemount Road, Moate, has opened to the public in recent days.

It will provide safe access for walkers and cyclists for residents in estates along the Rosemount and Ballymore roads, and the local nursing home which is only short distance away.

Cllr Tom Farrell, who has been working on the project for several years, in conjunction with the local community, welcomed the provision of the new access point which is to the highest safety standards and fully accessible for those with disabilities.

The Greenway is already well used in Moate, and he said this will give added interest because it will create a loop for those who are walking and cycling in the area, and will give opportunities to develop biodiversity projects in the future.

“It will help put the town of Moate on the map for walking and cycling and hopefully, bring more business into the area,” he commented. “It will also give greater access for the local schools and the nursing home which is nearby.”

The new access point also replaces what he described as a “dangerous” unauthorised entry point which was being used by some people in recent times. The other entry points to cycleway in Moate town are located close to Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park on the Mount Temple Road and the old Moate Railway Station on Station Road.

He thanked Minister Heather Humphreys for providing a grant towards the cost of the project, and to Westmeath County Council for providing matching funding to complete the work.

Cllr Farrell also paid tribute to the local community, in particular, residents Mary Martin, Maura Doyle and Michael Coyne, Moate Tidy Towns, along with Declan Henehan and his team in Westmeath County Council for their hard work.

New lights have been installed on the roads leading to the new access point at Toorphelim, which it's hoped will be connected up by the ESB soon.