Linear park plan will also open cycle route from Market Point to Newbrook

A plan aimed at transforming the green area alongside the Royal Canal all the way from Market Point to Newbrook Bridge has been submitted to the Department of Rural and Community Development by Westmeath County Council.

If the project gets funding, the result will be a cycleway along that entire stretch, plus development of a junior bike park, a climbing wall; walking and cycling paths and landscaping works.

Separately, Waterways Ireland is planning to enhance the stretch from Market Point to The Green Bridge.

The council plan, as detailed in its funding application to the department, is for a linear park along with a “recreational hub” at what it is describing as a pivotal position where the Old Rail Trail and rhe Royal Canal Greenway meet.

The plans show two significant focal points along the route – one opposite the Lidl Store at Patrick Street, and the second closer to the canal bridge at Newbrook – a water-based recreation area for which funding has already been announced.

The junior cycle park is to be located opposite the Lidl store.

“The overall cost is estimated at €625,000, and the council hopes that government will give a grant of €500,000 towards it,” said Deputy Peter Burke this week, adding that he and Cllr Andrew Duncan had worked closely on the project.

In its application, the council states that research it conducted found that communities located near trails and greenways “did not necessarily feel that they were benefiting” from these facilities.

It added that the Grange South area of Mullingar has, in particular, been noted for its lack of recreational access and amenity, despite its close proximity to the Royal Canal.

“This will provide a valuable pedestrian and cycle way link from Mullingar town centre to a large residential area west of the town along the Royal Canal, utilising largely unused lands,” the application states, adding that the plan specifically targets youth, providing a cluster of amenities suitable for this age range, to engage them and encourage them to grow and expand the recreational activity.

The council believes that a further benefit will be the fact that the project will encourage greenway users coming from Longford, Maynooth, Athlone and later Dublin and Galway to stop and stay in Mullingar.

In addition, the council predicts that the project will compliment and add value to the recently launched Mullingar Blueway, a collaborative project between Westmeath County Council and Waterways Ireland on the 23 km stretch of the Royal Canal from Coolnahay Harbour to Kneadsbridge through Mullingar, “which promises a tranquil, peaceful paddling experience, in conjunction with a variety of local activities, including walking, cycling, heritage sites et cetera”.

The council’s application – made under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme – is for €500,000 of the total estimated cost of €625,000,” says Deputy Burke, who said he has already brought the proposal to the attention of Rural and Community Development minister, Michael Ring.

Deputy Burke said that when the greenway was developed alongside the canal, it was on the southern side, and therefore not easily accessible to the large residential area on the northern side of the canal, which takes in Grange, Woodlands, Oaklawns, Willowbrook, The Moorings; and further west, Carra Vale and Greenpark and also the many estates that open onto the C-Link Road.

He said the council is hoping to go through the planning process this autumn, with a view to undertaking the tendering process around December. The hope is that the work would be completed by October of next year.