Greenways [greenway map of Ireland in post 1]

dowlingm

So there's been quite a bit of discussion of greenways on threads like Western Rail Corridor (Train & Rail Systems) and I was thinking it might be useful to have a thread which pulls together both technical discussion (for example how greenways can co-exist with adjacent roadways or railways) and news (expansions of existing greenways / announcements of new ones)

According to the Connaught Tribune there are moves on getting on Galway-Clifden along the old rail line alignment. Is there anything else starting to reach firm proposals as opposed to discussion?

MOD EDIT: Fantastic Greenway map of Ireland by riddlinrussell here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1HAHB3jpXV7qgrTHgopH4Zl7-ItDHGEPv&ll=53.4320326010536%2C-8.939188105408448&z=7

monument

I'm all for greenways for tourism and leisure but there should be also a strong funding and political focus on getting commuting greenways up and running too, like the canals and Dublin bay cycle routes which are greensways.

dynamick

There are many greenways in the UK, so it might be an idea to look towards them first for experience and advice.

I understand that Newport-Mulranny has been extended to become Westport-Achill. Brilliant!

What about Skibereen-Schull? Is much of that alignment preserved?
Cherrywood-Shankill Rd Greenway to allow for Luas Dart transfers with rental bikes at either end.
Constitution Hill-Royal Canal Bank via the old phibsborough railway alingment - again with rental bike station at either end.
Rosslare-Waterford?

Tech3

Anyone ever cycle this one:

http://www.southerntrail.net/trail_information.htm

dubhthach

dowlingm wrote: »

So there's been quite a bit of discussion of greenways on threads like Western Rail Corridor (Train & Rail Systems) and I was thinking it might be useful to have a thread which pulls together both technical discussion (for example how greenways can co-exist with adjacent roadways or railways) and news (expansions of existing greenways / announcements of new ones)

According to the Connaught Tribune there are moves on getting on Galway-Clifden along the old rail line alignment. Is there anything else starting to reach firm proposals as opposed to discussion?

Parts of that route were built on for the N59 or so I believe, still it would make a good choice. Part of it at the moment (College to Dangan) is basically a "greenway" along the River. From looking at the map it seems the route is nearly all clear out to past Oughterard. You could tie it in with the "Western Way" that starts in Oughterard and goes over to Maam.

munchkin_utd

not sure if this is the best place for it, but theres a tender out for a possible greenway on the Kingscourt Rail line between there and Navan

Title: Navan - Kingscourt Greenway Project
Published by: Navan - Kingscourt Greenway/Cycleway Committee
http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=SEP384636

"To prepare a Feasibility Study for the conversion of the existing disused rail line from Navan - Kingscourt to use as a high quality greenway/cycleway public amenity."

pigtown

There was a notice in the Limerick Leader last week informing of the county council's intention to complete the Great Southern Trail as far as the Kerry boundary. The trail would then stretch for 35k from Rathkeale.
http://www.southerntrail.net/index.html
I wonder are there any plans to extend the trail north to link up with Adare and Limerick City. There's alot of potential there.

dowlingm

To get through Adare you have to pass Rathkeale.

Sponge Bob

This is 'phase 1' of a scheme announced some time ago by Noel Dempsey ( IIRC) and probably reannounced ad nauseum as 'smart and green' by Eamon Ryan and much of it running on former N Roads now R Roads with hard shoulders.

Its Varadkars turn to reannounce.

http://www.galwaynews.ie/27780-galway-dublin-cycle-route-boost-local-economy

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar has announced plans to develop a 200 kilometre off road cycle way run from Galway to Maynooth in Dublin, at a cost of around 30 million euro.

All he is REALLY doing is examining the feasibility of extending the restoration of the Royal Canal towpath from Kilcock (where the modern restoration currently ends 5 miles west of Maynooth ) ...to Mullingar.

That would be 30km so but 200km sounds much better. Expect Westmeath Co Co to propose the lifting of the Mullingar - Athlone railway line for the next section.

The Idyll Race

Sponge Bob wrote: »

This is 'phase 1' of a scheme announced some time ago by Noel Dempsey ( IIRC) and probably reannounced ad nauseum as 'smart and green' by Eamon Ryan and much of it running on former N Roads now R Roads with hard shoulders.

Its Varadkars turn to reannounce.

http://www.galwaynews.ie/27780-galway-dublin-cycle-route-boost-local-economy



All he is REALLY doing is examining the feaibility of extending the restoration of the Royal Canal towpath from Kilcock (where the modern restoration currently ends 5 miles west of Maynooth ) ...to Mullingar.

That would be 30km so but 200km sounds much better. Expect Westmeath Co Co to propose the lifting of the Mullingar - Athlone railway line for the next section. :rolleyes::rolleyes:

FYP.

Sponge Bob

What???

dubhthach

The Idyll Race wrote: »

FYP.

Final Year Project?

On a connected note has anything been announced about doing Galway <-> Clifden Greenway?

Sponge Bob

dubhthach wrote: »

has anything been announced about doing Galway <-> Clifden Greenway?

I understand access issues meant it was split in 2. The western section, Oughterard-Clifden will be done first and access issues ( again) may mean it will start west of Oughterard for now. A portion will be onroad where the road was aligned onto the railway path in the 1960s.

This was sent into An Bord P in May as an SI project

http://www.pleanala.ie/casenum/JA0033.htm

You will be delighted to hear that

http://www.kildarestreet.com/debate/?id=2012-06-21.111.0

the retention of the Galway, Oughterard and Clifden Railway Acts 1872 and 1875 is necessary because of the planned greenway along the now disused railway. The original legislation contains legal points on land ownership and rights of way which will be vital to the successful implementation of the new greenway. <snip eulogy about Connemara> .........the construction of the greenway along the old railway line put in place by the Acts, which we are retaining in this Bill. A 2.5 m wide tarmacadam surfaced walking and cycling route from Oughterard to Clifden is with An Bord Pleanála under strategic infrastructure planning.

And there was me thinking it was built under the 1889 Light Railway act which no longer required a private Parliamentary Act 'per' railway line save for 'heavy' lines...these were called 'Balfour' lines after the politican.

Has there ever been any discussion regarding having a parallel track to the greenway for waking horses ?
Imagine riding a horse along the the western greenway along clew bay ? It would attract lots of tourists, stables etc ?
It would also not be a track for racing but just a narrow lane for trotting slowly !!! Thoughts ?

Sponge Bob

Dunno TBH, who will be responsibe for all the ****e that horses routinely produce in that case??

galwaycyclist

Deleted User wrote: »

Has there ever been any discussion regarding having a parallel track to the greenway for waking horses ?
Imagine riding a horse along the the western greenway along clew bay ? It would attract lots of tourists, stables etc ?
It would also not be a track for racing but just a narrow lane for trotting slowly !!! Thoughts ?

There is an existing bridleway to the North of the route leading from Maam Cross - South of the Maamturks and then going up the Inagh Valley along the Western Way.

gleesoneoin

I have thought about this for a long time, as it seems that the western rail corridor could have much more potential if there was a direct connection to charleville from Limerick.

I think that it would be great if an off-road greenway was established along the old rail line here. That rail line is no longer in place, although croom still has the old railway station house, and possibly bruree..

It would be a great development. The impending construction of the M20 (probably will happen around 2020 if there is money) will possibly turn the existing N20 into exactly this, but the rail line would still be necessary for people who want to travel from Sligo to Cork and don't want to go by road.

Any thoughts on this

yer man!

gleesoneoin wrote: »

I have thought about this for a long time, as it seems that the western rail corridor could have much more potential if there was a direct connection to charleville from Limerick.

I think that it would be great if an off-road greenway was established along the old rail line here. That rail line is no longer in place, although croom still has the old railway station house, and possibly bruree..

It would be a great development. The impending construction of the M20 (probably will happen around 2020 if there is money) will possibly turn the existing N20 into exactly this, but the rail line would still be necessary for people who want to travel from Sligo to Cork and don't want to go by road.

Any thoughts on this

Well I think a rail line there is many many years away but a greenway i'm sure is something the county councils are very interested in. I'd even put my money on saying that it's in planning now to be honest.

Sponge Bob

Sponge Bob wrote: »

I understand access issues meant it was split in 2. The western section, Oughterard-Clifden will be done first and access issues ( again) may mean it will start west of Oughterard for now. A portion will be onroad where the road was aligned onto the railway path in the 1960s.

Now official. http://www.galwaynews.ie/27910-landowners-object-oughterard-cycle-route

A number of landowners in the Oughterard area have objected to the route going through their lands.

hi5

Sponge Bob wrote: »

Now official. http://www.galwaynews.ie/27910-landowners-object-oughterard-cycle-route

They didn't object when the rail lines were dismantled and the land was given to them for a token.

The Idyll Race

hi5 wrote: »

They didn't object when the rail lines were dismantled and the land was given to them for a token.

Well then take it back off them for a token. Fair enough.

galwaycyclist

ABP Oral hearing on the Clifden-Oughterard Greenway is set for 27th November

The Galway Cycling Campaign have a press statement out

<Snip>
Cycling Campaign welcomes oral hearing into deeply flawed Clifden greenway proposals.

The Galway Cycling Campaign has welcomed the decision by An Bord Pleanala to hold an oral hearing into the proposed Oughterard to Clifden Greenway - describing the current proposals as "deeply flawed". Their concerns centre on a design that puts a recreational cycle path directly beside high-speed traffic on the N59 for at least 11km. The Cycling Campaign has identified a series of alternatives that would provide a more attractive route and avoid any need to CPO lands along the N59. They are hoping to hold a public meeting so that affected parties can share their concerns.

According to the cyclists, the proposal to develop a 50km Greenway from Oughterard to Clifden is welcome. If sensitively carried out, the scheme could create a huge asset for the community of West Connemara. They point out that the Western Greenway in Mayo has generated EU7million per year for the local community - indicating significant unmet demand for a particular cycling experience. However the cyclists say that the current scheme is incorrectly conceived, could fail to achieve its aims and could divert significant resources from more beneficial works. The planning appeals board has been asked to reject the scheme in its current format.

Over the entire 50km, long sections of the proposed scheme conform to the commonly accepted "greenway" concept (i.e. it is routed away from high-speed traffic). However, instead of being maintained as a traffic free greenway for the greatest possible distance, the route is to be incorporated into the existing N59 as a cycle path adjacent to fast moving motor traffic for between 11.7 and 14.6 kilometres or approximately 20% of its length. In the EIS carried out for the scheme, the alternatives to incorporating the cycle route into a high-speed road do not appear to have been given due consideration. Nor does any due consideration appear to have been given on the impacts of such traffic on cyclists - who will theoretically include family groups. Most regrettably, the worst affected section of the route could be considered the most scenic as it passes close to the Maamturks mountain range and the South Bens. It is imperative that an off-road solution be found here so that, rather than being distracted by traffic, users can fully enjoy and appreciate the spectacular scenery.

The Cycling Campaign has identified various alternative options that fulfil the greenway model. These include sections where the old Galway to Clifden railway bed is still available and sections of parallel minor roads including the original Galway-Clifden road. The alternatives provide a route away from high-speed traffic where the full benefits of a world class cycling route could be provided. In addition to providing a much more attractive route the alternative proposals avoid the need to CPO lands along the N59 itself.

Sponge Bob

Have you spoken to the County Mayor at all? You should IMO.

There are difficulties getting permissive consents near Oughterard itself maybe elsewhere too.

galwaycyclist

The Oral hearing on the Connemara Greenway has been put back to the 11th of December.

The EIS and files relating to the planning observations are here on the county council website.

http://www.galway.ie/en/Services/RoadsTransportation/ConnemaraGreenway/
http://www.galway.ie/en/Services/RoadsTransportation/ConnemaraGreenway/FurtherInformation/
http://www.galway.ie/en/Services/RoadsTransportation/ConnemaraGreenway/AnBordPleanalaSubmissions/

The particular Galway Cycling Campaign/Cyclist.ie observations on the proposed scheme are here (4mb). The observations made would tie-in to the similar issues that were raised over the N86 scheme in Kerry.

http://www.galway.ie/en/Services/RoadsTransportation/ConnemaraGreenway/AnBordPleanalaSubmissions/FilesTable/Irelands%20National%20Cycling%20Lobby%20Group.pdf

sheff_

Cork - Kinsale
http://www.southernstar.ie/Community/Greenway-plan-for-former-railway-line-24102012.htm

corktina

gleesoneoin wrote: »

I have thought about this for a long time, as it seems that the western rail corridor could have much more potential if there was a direct connection to charleville from Limerick.

I think that it would be great if an off-road greenway was established along the old rail line here. That rail line is no longer in place, although croom still has the old railway station house, and possibly bruree..

It would be a great development. The impending construction of the M20 (probably will happen around 2020 if there is money) will possibly turn the existing N20 into exactly this, but the rail line would still be necessary for people who want to travel from Sligo to Cork and don't want to go by road.

Any thoughts on this

how about using the existing line from Sligo to Cork?

westtip

OP really need to look at www.sustrans.org.uk Sustrans is the model to follow for creating greenways, the UK is light years ahead of us on greenways.

L1011

gleesoneoin wrote: »

but the rail line would still be necessary for people who want to travel from Sligo to Cork and don't want to go by road.

All 4 of them?

serfboard

From RTE:

RTE wrote:

A greenway trail for cyclists and pedestrians in Connemara in Co Galway has been approved by An Bord Pleanála.

The 52km track will run along the disused Galway to Clifden railway line.
Following an oral hearing late last year, An Bord Pleanála gave the project the go-ahead, subject to a number of conditions.

These include changes to the route originally proposed, so the greenway will be separated from the N59 road.

Concerns had been expressed about the proximity of an 11km stretch of the cycle path to the national secondary road.

The decision has been welcomed by the Galway Cycling Campaign. Spokesman Shane Foran said if the route was developed properly, it could transform tourism in the west of Ireland.

He pointed to the huge number of cycling tourists from across Europe who would be attracted to such an amenity.

Mr Foran said Co Galway is potentially at one end of a proposed cycle trail across Europe that would travel as far as Moscow, as part of the European Cycle Route Network.

Good to see that it's got the go-ahead, and (see the bolded bit) that it's being done right.

It seems the local council is going to look for 9 million for it from Bord Failte. Will they get it though?

Galway Bay FM wrote:

Galway County Council is now to seek funding from Failte Ireland to progress the Connemara Greenway project, which is estimated to cost nine million euro.

The development has been given approval by an Bord Pleanala this week subject to eight conditions.

The local authority will now speak with landowners and hope to develop the project over a period of two to three years.

It involves a route of 52 kilometres in length and involves a walk and cycle pathway of two and half metres wide, mainly along the old Connemara rail-line.

Liam Gavin, Senior Engineer with Galway County Council says it will have huge economic benefits and is excellent value for money.

serfboard

serfboard wrote: »

From RTE:
Good to see that it's got the go-ahead, and (see the bolded bit) that it's being done right.

It seems the local council is going to look for 9 million for it from Bord Failte. Will they get it though?

I could see this eventually been linked onto the western greenway in Mayo, allowing cyclists cycle from Galway city to Achill or Westport via the Delphi Valley. Would be a great route >150km.

fullgas

Instead of spending money on greenways for abondoned railways etc. why don't we upgrade the paths beside the Royal & Grand Canals first. Seems like a no brainer idea.

pigtown

fullgas wrote: »

Instead of spending money on greenways for abondoned railways etc. why don't we upgrade the paths beside the Royal & Grand Canals first. Seems like a no brainer idea.

Why?

flazio

fullgas wrote: »

Instead of spending money on greenways for abondoned railways etc. why don't we upgrade the paths beside the Royal & Grand Canals first. Seems like a no brainer idea.

From what I've seen of them around Shannon Harbour to Tullamore and from Cloondara to Mullingar, they seem alright to me. It's a relief that some streches are soft ground rather then paved on long time walking feet let me tell you.

whyulittle

Westmeath Co. Co. are pressing ahead with a greenway/cycleway on the old Athlone/Mullingar rail-line, and proposing a new bridge across the River Shannon in the centre of Athlone.

http://www.advertiser.ie/athlone/article/60934/cycle-corridor-could-see-new-bridge-over-shannon

RikkFlair

The Great Southern Trail in Limerick now extends to the Kerry border as of earlier this year, and despite some farmers kicking up a fuss a few months back over claiming ownership of the line past the kerry border (which they don't, CIE own it) it looks as though its full steam ahead to extend the trail to Listowel in the near future.

https://www.facebook.com/ListowelRailwalk

Pete_Cavan

Recent tender for consultants to preparing an Analysis & Development Plan for the conversion of the existing permanent way to a Multi Use Trail for use by Walkers, Cyclists, Horse Riders and the Mobility Challenged;

http://www.mytenders.ie/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAY407524&catID=1

It says the trail is in private ownership so might be difficult to get agreements with landowners. At least they are looking into it.

hi5

6.5m in funding for Greenways in Kerry, Galway and Waterford..

http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0410/607989-funding-for-new-off-road-cycle-routes/

Poxyshamrock

Alan Kelly doesn't look too steady on the bike in the RTÉ video! :pac:

The Moycullen to the university route is interesting combining a scenic route along the Corrib with a potentially viable commuter option.

dubhthach

Deleted User wrote: »

The Moycullen to the university route is interesting combining a scenic route along the Corrib with a potentially viable commuter option.

Given that chunk of the route is now used as path's within the University, it be interesting to see what upgrades will be done or any along that. Definetly make cycling in and out of Moycullen to city easier that's for sure.

Squeaksoutloud

Looks like the Boyne Greenway section from Oldbridge back to Drogheda opened up at the weekend. On a recycled plastic boardwalk on the floodplain - looks great. Hopefully the next phases will get up and running too to open up the rest of the route.

dubhthach

Squeaksoutloud wrote: »

Looks like the Boyne Greenway section from Oldbridge back to Drogheda opened up at the weekend. On a recycled plastic boardwalk on the floodplain - looks great. Hopefully the next phases will get up and running too to open up the rest of the route.

Recycled plastic boardwalk? will it float in the event of flooding on said flood plain?

Any links about it (preferably with photos)

Pete_Cavan

dubhthach wrote: »

Recycled plastic boardwalk? will it float in the event of flooding on said flood plain?

Any links about it (preferably with photos)

This is the best I could find;

http://www.ecoplastic.net/recent-projects/boyne-greenway-00m-of-ecoplastic-boardwalk-client-roughan-o-donovan-engineers-meath-county-council-.php

There is a serious lack of information on existing and potential greenways. Very few have their own dedicated website and there is no general website with info on all. There really needs to be a website with details on the various greenway projects and what stage they are at. I am surprised that one of the cycling associations or the Department hasnt done this.

cargo

dubhthach wrote: »

Recycled plastic boardwalk? will it float in the event of flooding on said flood plain?

Any links about it (preferably with photos)

Pete_Cavan wrote: »

This is the best I could find;

http://www.ecoplastic.net/recent-projects/boyne-greenway-00m-of-ecoplastic-boardwalk-client-roughan-o-donovan-engineers-meath-county-council-.php

There is a serious lack of information on existing and potential greenways. Very few have their own dedicated website and there is no general website with info on all. There really needs to be a website with details on the various greenway projects and what stage they are at. I am surprised that one of the cycling associations or the Department hasnt done this.

Boards.ie to the rescue... Pics in post #9 and #14
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057110320

bizguy

Pete_Cavan wrote: »

This is the best I could find;
There is a serious lack of information on existing and potential greenways. Very few have their own dedicated website and there is no general website with info on all. There really needs to be a website with details on the various greenway projects and what stage they are at. I am surprised that one of the cycling associations or the Department hasnt done this.

The new version of irishgreenways.com should have all this info, when it's launched.

Squeaksoutloud

Got some photos of it there on Friday...Looks cool.

Squeaksoutloud

Pete_Cavan wrote: »

This is the best I could find;

http://www.ecoplastic.net/recent-projects/boyne-greenway-00m-of-ecoplastic-boardwalk-client-roughan-o-donovan-engineers-meath-county-council-.php

There is a serious lack of information on existing and potential greenways. Very few have their own dedicated website and there is no general website with info on all. There really needs to be a website with details on the various greenway projects and what stage they are at. I am surprised that one of the cycling associations or the Department hasnt done this.

This document probably gives the best info on the proposed national cycle network:

http://www.smartertravel.ie/sites/default/files/uploads/FINAL%20NCNScopingStudyAugust2010%5B1%5D.pdf

Here is info on the Dublin area:

http://www.nationaltransport.ie/downloads/A3_Cycle_Network_Plan_LOW_RES.pdf

bizguy

Big funding announcement this morning...two definites are Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel and Waterford City to Kilmeaden (Deise Greenway). Source: WLR FM

Exciting times!!

whyulittle

€4 million announced for the Mullingar to Athlone Greenway during the week as well.

monument

€10m on cycle routes across Ireland: http://irishcycle.com/2014/05/15/e10m-for-greenways-across-ireland/

Carawaystick

jaysus, ya'd swear there was an election coming.....