Mullingar - Athlone Greenway progress?

L.Jenkins · 14-03-2016 10:59pm

I may have a job in Westport, so I'll want to make use of it before then.

Subcomandante Marcos · 14-03-2016 11:04pm

Itzy wrote: »

I may have a job in Westport, so I'll want to make use of it before then.

If you're in westport you can use the greenway up there, which is a lovely cycle.

L.Jenkins · 15-03-2016 8:58pm

Ah brilliant.

Subcomandante Marcos · 15-03-2016 9:05pm

http://www.greenway.ie/index.html for details on entry and exit points and even bike rentals.

Wichita Lineman · 16-03-2016 5:29pm

There's a newly opened bike shop in Moate as well. Are they doing rentals?

Subcomandante Marcos · 16-03-2016 9:38pm

Wichita Lineman wrote: »

There's a newly opened bike shop in Moate as well. Are they doing rentals?

I'd imagine they are. You can alsy get rental's from the Spar in Garrycastle on the Athlone end of the greenway.

John_Rambo · 17-03-2016 12:18am

Redbishop wrote: »

I used it a few early mornings and evenings during the winter in the dark with bike lights, around 20k trips, 10 out and back to Mullingar just to keep in shape. Great not to have to worry about road traffic.
I ve moved about 25 miles away now and miss it being handy.
Its great.

That's the ticket. I'd say you felt like you were doing 100kph on a small track in the dark with close edges.

Has anyone seen any local commercial enterprise from the amenity? Cafe's, bike rentals, repair/spare shops? Beer stops, B&B's even?

Redbishop · 17-03-2016 12:53am

John_Rambo wrote: »

That's the ticket. I'd say you felt like you were doing 100kph on a small track in the dark with close edges.

Has anyone seen any local commercial enterprise from the amenity? Cafe's, bike rentals, repair/spare shops? Beer stops, B&B's even?

Did you bother to read the last couple of pages at all?

Subcomandante Marcos · 17-03-2016 1:07am

John_Rambo wrote: »

That's the ticket. I'd say you felt like you were doing 100kph on a small track in the dark with close edges.

Has anyone seen any local commercial enterprise from the amenity? Cafe's, bike rentals, repair/spare shops? Beer stops, B&B's even?

Even if businesses benefit not a jot it's irrelevant, it's a leasure amenity, not a business venture. When the length from Dublin Central to Galway is complete it will start to generate tourism on a large scale as it will offer a unique experience for tourists. As it is its a local leasure amenity between two large towns and a few small villages in the Midlands and should be discussed as such.

John_Rambo · 17-03-2016 8:32am

Redbishop wrote: »

Did you bother to read the last couple of pages at all?

Ah, the thread had progressed more than I thought, thanks for your kind words, good communicator.

Subcomandante Marcos wrote: »

Even if businesses benefit not a jot it's irrelevant, it's a leasure amenity, not a business venture. When the length from Dublin Central to Galway is complete it will start to generate tourism on a large scale as it will offer a unique experience for tourists. As it is its a local leasure amenity between two large towns and a few small villages in the Midlands and should be discussed as such.

I think enterprising non-local and local and entrapanours will decide on the business opportunities on the amenity. Not you! Just as much as boards.ie will decide what will be discussed here, not you!

Get a blog if you feel the discussion needs to go your way only.

Angron · 17-03-2016 3:18pm

Can we not have people telling others how discussion should, or should not, go. The Greenway can be discussed as both a leisure amenity and a business opportunity.

If you have issues with posts, just report them and don't respond on thread as that can only serve to draw the thread off topic.

Mearings · 17-03-2016 3:25pm

Angron wrote: »

Can we not have people telling others how discussion should, or should not, go. The Greenway can be discussed as both a leisure amenity and a business opportunity.

If you have issues with posts, just report them and don't respond on thread as that can only serve to draw the thread off topic.

And the day that's in it.

boredatwork82 · 18-03-2016 12:51pm

Anesthetize wrote:

Which direction did you cycle, Athlone > Mullingar or Mullingar > Athlone?

Cycled Athlone to Mullingar

lameusername · 20-03-2016 8:27pm

Was on it today, busiest I've ever seen it. Family's on bikes, dog walkers, kids lashing into ice-cream at Garrycastle.
It's going to be big this summer I think.
Brilliant.

nice_guy80 · 21-03-2016 7:16pm

Dogs will soon have to be banned

dr.kenneth noisewater · 21-03-2016 8:14pm

nice_guy80 wrote:

Dogs will soon have to be banned

As long as people clean up after them i dont see the issue. I walk my dogon it regularly

flazio · 21-03-2016 8:17pm

They'll probably try installing Poop bins first but eventually give up.
They're is no way a dog ban can get enforced unfortunately, best they can do is gravel the tracks side and place signage to encourage dog walkers to keep to that side.

nice_guy80 · 22-03-2016 9:44am

flazio wrote: »

They'll probably try installing Poop bins first but eventually give up.
They're is no way a dog ban can get enforced unfortunately, best they can do is gravel the tracks side and place signage to encourage dog walkers to keep to that side.

Dogs are dangerous when bikes are flying along.

mr spuckler · 22-03-2016 2:18pm

nice_guy80 wrote: »

Dogs are dangerous when bikes are flying along.

it's primary purpose though is not to facilitate flying bikes!

nice_guy80 · 24-03-2016 8:22pm

mr spuckler wrote: »

it's primary purpose though is not to facilitate flying bikes!

Once saw a cyclist hospitalised by a dog on a lead who ran across the path of the cyclist.

roosterman71 · 24-03-2016 11:52pm

Promotional Video

TooMuchWork · 05-04-2016 11:07pm

I live further down the cycle track passed Garrycastle and noticed all of the trees either side of the railway track cut down, so I can only assume they're continuing progress further into Athlone.

L.Jenkins · 06-04-2016 10:20pm

TooMuchWork wrote: »

I live further down the cycle track passed Garrycastle and noticed all of the trees either side of the railway track cut down, so I can only assume they're continuing progress further into Athlone.

Hopefully it will continue on towards the Ballimahon Road soon.

nice_guy80 · 07-04-2016 7:03pm

Are they likely to build a new bridge across the Shannon for the cycleway?
Or just tag on something to the side of the existing railway bridge

demanufactured · 07-04-2016 7:51pm

nice_guy80 wrote: »

Are they likely to build a new bridge across the Shannon for the cycleway?
Or just tag on something to the side of the existing railway bridge

The Green way won't be going near the white bridge.
It is looking like it will be near the raddison hotel.

L.Jenkins · 07-04-2016 10:48pm

demanufactured wrote: »

The Green way won't be going near the white bridge.
It is looking like it will be near the raddison hotel.

They're proposing a new bridge to cross at the marina to the walkway beside the Art Gallery. The entry point will be between the Radisson and the Abbey, just off Northgate Street.

TooMuchWork · 11-04-2016 5:22pm

Itzy wrote: »

Hopefully it will continue on towards the Ballimahon Road soon.

About three weeks ago there was a good few lads chopping down trees during the night at the end of Sarsfield which is just next to Ballymahon road. I haven't been on the railway track in a few months but I might have a look tomorrow when it dries up to see if any progress was made

L.Jenkins · 13-04-2016 10:28pm

I passed that way after training this evening, and see it's a bit tidier. The little plot of land beside the railway gates on the Ballymahon Road, would be prime land when it's complete. So if anyone has the money and it's for sale, I'd say snatch it now while it's cheap :P

nice_guy80 · 14-04-2016 8:05am

Itzy wrote: »

I passed that way after training this evening, and see it's a bit tidier. The little plot of land beside the railway gates on the Ballymahon Road, would be prime land when it's complete. So if anyone has the money and it's for sale, I'd say snatch it now while it's cheap :P

prime land for what?
watching cyclists go by?

L.Jenkins · 14-04-2016 9:48am

It will be an Entry/Exit point. Possible Bicycle Shop, with Bike hire!

mr spuckler · 14-04-2016 1:09pm

Itzy wrote: »

It will be an Entry/Exit point. Possible Bicycle Shop, with Bike hire!

plus café etc. nugents in garrycastle can get well busy with cyclists stopping there during or after a cycle. you'd expect that as the greenway is extended that stopping point might also move, especially if there was parking there for people who don't live nearby...one other advantage that nugents also have.

Lt Dan · 14-04-2016 5:50pm

Wichita Lineman wrote: »

I'm on the committee there and Moate Golf Club is very welcoming to cyclists. If you wanted to combine 2 sports during the summer sometime we have some golf clubs for hire.

Padraig (who runs the restaurant part) has even installed a substantial bike rack to make things more secure for visitors.

I assume local bike shops will pick up on trade with more bikes for hire. Wasn't that Green hippy, Eamonn Ryan doing good business in that sector ?

A Capital idea from Moate. People with brains. Jolly good. I hope those who open up shops or are shops that intend to cater for these cyclists have in stock things like pumps and puncture tyres just in case of emergencies. I assume people who are do the whole run would have their supplies, but still

Really tempted to get my bike repaired and give it ago some weekend when I am back in God's Country

Lt Dan · 14-04-2016 6:01pm

Itzy wrote: »

They're proposing a new bridge to cross at the marina to the walkway beside the Art Gallery. The entry point will be between the Radisson and the Abbey, just off Northgate Street.

Interesting

Griffins will do well out of that.

What happens from GarryCastle to, I assume, Ballymahon Road railway line? One gets off there and then what? Where does the track go in order to get to Northgate Street

I am not sure the Railway Road (or Southern Road, whatever it is called) would be safe , would they go through St Francis Terrace ? Hardly, with the shopping centre car park area and St Francis being a residential area (exposure to the Old Wall would be nice for tourists) Are the CIE actually every going to do something with that waste land just in front of the Railway/Bus Station (where you can see St Francis Terrace) and is adjacent to The Manse and St Vincents?

Might be a good idea once they get as far as the Art Gallery to tack the track around the Number 1 after the White Bridge; a nice bit of scenery and discover how the natives behave

Considering how pretty well flooded the Marina was during the past two big floods, I assume the bridge might not be used during the winter where there is bad weather. Would the bridge be starting in the grounds of the Radision?

Must say, that bridge (Northgate Street to the art gallery) would be fantastically handy for my mother trying to get to work or for me going to the pubs across town. No more having the climb that "hill" near auld McCormack's shop

nice_guy80 · 15-04-2016 8:15am

Do cyclists spend much money?
Aren't they more likely to spend it where they decide to stop for a break and turn around
Genuine question

L.Jenkins · 15-04-2016 9:49am

From what I hear, the Golf Club in Moate is doing a booming trade since the cycle path opened, with Cyclists dropping by. Yes, from what I hear, the club has a Cafe. You're hardly going to casually cycle 42km, stop for a quick water break, then turn around and go home again.

Sunny Dayz · 15-04-2016 9:53am

I'm biased cos I live in Moate, but the food in the Golf Club is lovely. Love the chicken curry!

hardCopy · 15-04-2016 10:06am

nice_guy80 wrote: »

Do cyclists spend much money?
Aren't they more likely to spend it where they decide to stop for a break and turn around
Genuine question

Pubs, hostels and bike shops in Newport seem to be flying these days. Cafes all around rural north Dublin do booming trade selling coffee and cooked breakfasts to cyclists every weekend.

My wife and I would usually spend €15-20 between us on a spin.

A big benefit to pubs that I noticed in Newport was that the place was packed with people eating and drinking pints for an Ireland match, all the customers were cycling. Before the greenway their customers would all have been driving making less pints sold.

Mearings · 15-04-2016 10:08am

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

I'm biased cos I live in Moate, but the food in the Golf Club is lovely. Love the chicken curry!

Yes, I love the Moatey Mahal.

nice_guy80 · 16-04-2016 4:16pm

hardCopy wrote: »

Pubs, hostels and bike shops in Newport seem to be flying these days. Cafes all around rural north Dublin do booming trade selling coffee and cooked breakfasts to cyclists every weekend.

My wife and I would usually spend €15-20 between us on a spin.

A big benefit to pubs that I noticed in Newport was that the place was packed with people eating and drinking pints for an Ireland match, all the customers were cycling. Before the greenway their customers would all have been driving making less pints sold.

hopefully something similar happens

L.Jenkins · 16-04-2016 5:14pm

nice_guy80 wrote: »

hopefully something similar happens

I think we can see the benefits already.

Ruben Remus · 27-04-2016 11:47am

There's a two-page feature on the cycleway in today's Westmeath Independent, with views from people using it & details from the council on the next phases.

L.Jenkins · 28-04-2016 9:46pm

Must grab the Westmeath tomorrow so, to have a read.

Sunny Dayz · 29-04-2016 10:36am

Just seen on facebook last night that the Athlone Colour Run next month is going to be done on the Greenway instead of the 5km loop that goes through Retreat and out the Dublin road by the AIT. Would that not make the Greenway quite congested for a time? Also would the powder not stain the tarmac?

L.Jenkins · 29-04-2016 8:56pm

I'm sure if there's a few hundred People attending, it will congest the greenway for a while, as for the power, I'm sure it will eventually wash off over time.

bovis · 02-05-2016 5:47pm

Ruben Remus wrote: »

There's a two-page feature on the cycleway in today's Westmeath Independent, with views from people using it & details from the council on the next phases.

Hi Ruben Remus, would be interested to hear details from the council on the next phases. If you read the article could you share any updates? I cant access it online and I am not in an area that sells that local paper

AshfieldM10 · 07-05-2016 10:53pm

I cycled the leg from Mullingar to Moate and was impressed at the finish the whole way through. I have mixed opinions on the view. I think an area to have a picnic under the green area just outside Moate would be a good idea.

Ruben Remus · 10-05-2016 12:13pm

bovis wrote: »

Hi Ruben Remus, would be interested to hear details from the council on the next phases. If you read the article could you share any updates? I cant access it online and I am not in an area that sells that local paper

Sorry, just saw your message now. In short, it said the council is hoping to develop the cycleway as far as the Ballymahon Road/White Gates crossing this year. A traffic light crossing for cyclists/pedestrians is due to be put in at the White Gates as part of it. Then the next sections, to the Marina and the bridge over the Shannon, are due in late 2017/early 2018.

Sunny Dayz · 10-05-2016 12:25pm

AshfieldM10 wrote: »

I cycled the leg from Mullingar to Moate and was impressed at the finish the whole way through. I have mixed opinions on the view. I think an area to have a picnic under the green area just outside Moate would be a good idea.

I think there's picnic benches in the park in Moate beside the cycleway.

Sunny Dayz · 10-05-2016 12:33pm

Ruben Remus wrote: »

Sorry, just saw your message now. In short, it said the council is hoping to develop the cycleway as far as the Ballymahon Road/White Gates crossing this year. A traffic light crossing for cyclists/pedestrians is due to be put in at the White Gates as part of it. Then the next sections, to the Marina and the bridge over the Shannon, are due in late 2017/early 2018.

I got the impression from the article that the council (Athlone Town) want/need to get the cycleway extended into the town as soon as possible. The cycleway is a great success, plenty of people using it and shops and cafes near or along the route are doing well because of it. However, people who are using it aren't venturing further into town.

Lt Dan · 13-05-2016 3:13pm

Ruben Remus wrote: »

Sorry, just saw your message now. In short, it said the council is hoping to develop the cycleway as far as the Ballymahon Road/White Gates crossing this year. A traffic light crossing for cyclists/pedestrians is due to be put in at the White Gates as part of it. Then the next sections, to the Marina and the bridge over the Shannon, are due in late 2017/early 2018.

Might sound annoying and stupid, but, what is the position with the cycle way from the White Gates to the Marina (the one next to Radisson) what route, if ever, it would take? Through Beechpark and down to Griffins or just straight over to The Crescent Shop and via St Francis Terrace or Railway Road?

Mullingar - Athlone Greenway progress?

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