Greenway Map

Grassey · 04-12-2020 07:53PM

Spotted this earlier:

Not many people know that there is a secret tunnel under the N81 here at Russborough. Well, it wasn't always a secret. It was widely used over the years to drive livestock from the estate safely to the other side, under the road and latterly the tramway (est.1888). But at some point it became neglected and overgrown and fell out of use. Like Sleeping Beauty's castle, 100 years of vegetation completely obscured it from view and its existence seemed more like a fairytale. But then in 2019, stray cattle mysteriously appeared on the Russborough estate and an intrepid search party of John Horan of the Blessington Forum and our own CEO Eric Blatchford set out to solve the mystery. Failing to find any evidence of the structure on this side, the pair crossed over to the lake and fought there way back through dense undergrowth towards the estate. Imagine their delight when they finally saw a wonderfully tall and wide stone structure emerge like a lost Mayan temple - the fabled Russborough tunnel.

At the same time plans for the Blessington Greenway were afoot and it seemed that the discovery of the tunnel offered the perfect solution to safely connect Russborough to this 42 km walking and cycling circuit of the lakes and surrounding villages. But first the dense foliage had to be cleared. Surveys checked the integrity of the structure, plans were drawn up for remedial works and inspections carried out. A massive pond retaining wall 16 metres long and 4 metres high must be repaired and the three spans of the bridge and tunnel inspected. It appears that part of the structure dates back to 1750, with extensions and reinforcements put in around 1880 for the coming tramway. Walkways from the tunnel to the estate were then cleared and it became obvious that this find represented a huge win for Russborough and the community. More good news came in recent weeks with the confirmation that the Greenway would be 100% funded by the Government.

With Phase 2 of the Greenway project forging ahead in 2021, it could be that by 2022 this marvelous amenity will be ready for launch, 42 km of trail loops in breathtaking scenery with a terminus at historic Russborough. A fantastic attraction for walkers, cyclists, local families and tourists alike and a hugely positive development for Blessington and the surrounding area. There is light at the end of the tunnel and the future is looking a lot brighter!

stoneybats · 08-06-2021 11:18AM

Leitrim Council are currently consulting on extending the blueway from Battlebridge to Carrick, 8.5km to add to the 7km or so that's there already.

"The proposed Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway will provide a high-quality cyclist and pedestrian Blueway route between Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim Village and Battlebridge Lock. The Blueway will provide recreational experiences for tourists and the local community using the existing natural assets and will act as an economic stimulus in the area, county and the region. Starting at Corryolus to the north west of Carrickon-Shannon, the Blueway will follow the route of the River Shannon northward for a length of some 8km ending approximately 1km west of Leitrim Village at Battlebridge Lock Gates. A map of the proposed study area is enclosed."

Duckjob · 08-06-2021 03:21PM

Sorry if this is a silly question lads, but what is the difference between a greenway and a blueway ?

I've always thought it's to do with running beside water, but then why is the Royal Canal a GreenWay? Why not Royal Canal BlueWay ?

riddlinrussell · 08-06-2021 03:36PM

Duckjob wrote: »

Sorry if this is a silly question lads, but what is the difference between a greenway and a blueway ?

I've always thought it's to do with running beside water, but then why is the Royal Canal a GreenWay? Why not Royal Canal BlueWay ?

Both are, to some extent, a branding exercise.

Greenway = Cycle and Walking route

Blueway = Walking, Cycle and Water Activity Route - This is a Waterways Ireland branding thing

As to why the Royal is down usually as only a Greenway, you'd have to ask Waterways Ireland.

Blueways usually include upgrades not only to towpaths/trails for cycling and greater accessibility but also things like additional low to the water jetties for kayak/canoe launching, maybe changing facilities at certain locations etc, and an effort to develop waymarked routes/options and maps of water routes.

Heartbreak Hank · 19-06-2021 08:44AM

Sorry if it is posted elsewhere but is there an update on the status of the Barrow Blueway from Athy to Lowtown?

nilhg · 19-06-2021 01:37PM

Heartbreak Hank wrote: »

Sorry if it is posted elsewhere but is there an update on the status of the Barrow Blueway from Athy to Lowtown?

Milltown Bridge to Vicarstown is complete, works have started north of Vicarstown but I think they have skipped the bit immediately adjacent to Vivcarstown itself.

On the Northern end it's complete from Lowtown to Glenaree (some tarmac to be laid on the last couple of KMs before Glenaree, but cycleable with care) Works ongoing between Glenaree and Rathangan (est complete sometime in Q3)

The rest is in reasonably good condition with the current dry weather, easily cyclable on something with 32mm+ tyres, might be tough going on a genuine road bike.

When I say complete above it's surfacing I'm referring to, no work done on gates, signage, or road crossings.

magicbastarder · 19-06-2021 01:42PM

isn't the greenway along the poulaphouca reservoir planned to go further south than it currently shows on the map? i.e. it pretty much gets to russborough on the map but i'm fairly sure they're planning on going further south with it.

tnegun · 19-06-2021 06:19PM

It's supposed to circumnavigate the lake, there's some vocal local opposition to it though I really hope the NIMBYs don't derail it it would be an amazing asset and revenue generator for the area

Heartbreak Hank · 21-06-2021 09:12AM

nilhg wrote: »

Milltown Bridge to Vicarstown is complete, works have started north of Vicarstown but I think they have skipped the bit immediately adjacent to Vivcarstown itself.

On the Northern end it's complete from Lowtown to Glenaree (some tarmac to be laid on the last couple of KMs before Glenaree, but cycleable with care) Works ongoing between Glenaree and Rathangan (est complete sometime in Q3)

The rest is in reasonably good condition with the current dry weather, easily cyclable on something with 32mm+ tyres, might be tough going on a genuine road bike.

When I say complete above it's surfacing I'm referring to, no work done on gates, signage, or road crossings.

Thanks very much for the detailed response. Plans changed so I didn't end up checking it out in the end but I definitely will. Thanks again.

Heartbreak Hank · 21-06-2021 09:13AM

tnegun wrote: »

It's supposed to circumnavigate the lake, there's some vocal local opposition to it though I really hope the NIMBYs don't derail it it would be an amazing asset and revenue generator for the area

I think agreement was reached with a landowner who owned part of the proposed route. I think that was the main stumbling block.

Grassey · 21-06-2021 01:32PM

Latest news I can see on it is 'starting early this year for completion in 2022' so I'm guessing it's at least 6 months delayed...

https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklowpeople/news/completed-greenway-expected-by-mid-2022-39730842.html

Nothing I could see up on the planning website
http://www.eplanning.ie/WicklowCC/AppFileRefDetails/17307/0

nilhg · 23-06-2021 04:36PM

Heartbreak Hank wrote: »

Sorry if it is posted elsewhere but is there an update on the status of the Barrow Blueway from Athy to Lowtown?

nilhg wrote: »

Milltown Bridge to Vicarstown is complete, works have started north of Vicarstown but I think they have skipped the bit immediately adjacent to Vivcarstown itself.

On the Northern end it's complete from Lowtown to Glenaree (some tarmac to be laid on the last couple of KMs before Glenaree, but cycleable with care) Works ongoing between Glenaree and Rathangan (est complete sometime in Q3)

The rest is in reasonably good condition with the current dry weather, easily cyclable on something with 32mm+ tyres, might be tough going on a genuine road bike.

When I say complete above it's surfacing I'm referring to, no work done on gates, signage, or road crossings.

https://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/AllServices/Planning/PublicRealm/BarrowBlueway/Barrow%20Blueway%20Progress%20report%2023062021.pdf

Some anomalies there, the last section before Glenaree is marked as complete though it's supposed to get a layer of tarmac, and no mention of the stretch from Milltown bridge into Athy town

cletus · 23-06-2021 04:41PM

So the section between Rathangan and Monasterevin will be almost the last piece completed

nilhg · 23-06-2021 05:48PM

cletus wrote: »

So the section between Rathangan and Monasterevin will be almost the last piece completed

Yeah, it seems so, though if they happen to be working from both ends it should happen quick enough, though that section of towpath is probably structurally the worst.

I feel a bit sorry for the Monasterevin folk, since it was announced they have been the most vocal on social media about the possibilities, and are going to be last to get it.

cletus · 23-06-2021 05:58PM

nilhg wrote: »

Yeah, it seems so, though if they happen to be working from both ends it should happen quick enough, though that section of towpath is probably structurally the worst.

I feel a bit sorry for the Monasterevin folk, since it was announced they have been the most vocal on social media about the possibilities, and are going to be last to get it.

Having grown up in Monasterevin, the town could do with something like this, especially tying it in with the new kayak club, Ballykelly Mill's development, and the prospect of a mini Lough Boora out in Ummerus Bog, all connected directly to the canal

Grassey · 23-06-2021 06:30PM

I see that the footbridge (part of the greenway) across the canal in Sallins is due to start construction next month with a view to be finished by Spring 22.

Other non-greenway work will be putting in some segregated cycle lanes along the main road, and other speed limiting implementations to make it less attractive for cars to go through the village and not around the new bypass.

Dcully · 23-06-2021 07:05PM

Not seeing any mention of the section after the M7 Motorway bridge on to Monasterevin which is a real shame especially considering the other side from Monasterevin to Rathangan will be the final section completed as mentioned.

cletus · 23-06-2021 07:10PM

Dcully wrote: »

Not seeing any mention of the section after the M7 Motorway bridge on to Monasterevin which is a real shame especially considering the other side from Monasterevin to Rathangan will be the final section completed as mentioned.

The section named Courtwood deals with that, I'd imagine. Courtwood is a townland halfway between Monasterevin and Vicarstown, so I'd say that will bring you up as far as the motorway bridge

*edit* Actually, re-reading the rwport, you're right, they only mention working from Courtwood to Vicarstown, no mention of working North from Courtwood

Dcully · 23-06-2021 08:08PM

Courtwood to Fisherstown is also in the works , barriers are up the past few weeks.
The report mentions going to motorway bridge but this hasnt started yet well not a few days ago when i was there.
The worrying bit is there is no mention of motorway to monasterevin at all.

nilhg · 23-06-2021 08:39PM

Dcully wrote: »

Courtwood to Fisherstown is also in the works , barriers are up the past few weeks.
The report mentions going to motorway bridge but this hasnt started yet well not a few days ago when i was there.
The worrying bit is there is no mention of motorway to monasterevin at all.

I think/hope that the reference to the M7 bridge is with regard to 2021 work, the rest will be done in 2022. There is no way that works will be complete from Rathangan to Monasterevin in 2021 if they will only reach Rathangan in Q4 so I think it will be mid 2022 before both sides reach you Dcully

riddlinrussell · 24-06-2021 03:39PM

Grassey wrote: »

I see that the footbridge (part of the greenway) across the canal in Sallins is due to start construction next month with a view to be finished by Spring 22.

Other non-greenway work will be putting in some segregated cycle lanes along the main road, and other speed limiting implementations to make it less attractive for cars to go through the village and not around the new bypass.

I've spoken to the engineer on the village changes, hopeful aim is to have most of it done over July/August, though some will be held up by some Irish water works.

It looks like some decent temporary interventions are coming which is great until we get some public realm in the next few years

cletus · 02-07-2021 06:15AM

Limerick Greenway opens up to the public

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40326143.html

FinnC · 02-07-2021 06:42AM

nilhg wrote: »

Milltown Bridge to Vicarstown is complete, works have started north of Vicarstown but I think they have skipped the bit immediately adjacent to Vivcarstown itself.

On the Northern end it's complete from Lowtown to Glenaree (some tarmac to be laid on the last couple of KMs before Glenaree, but cycleable with care) Works ongoing between Glenaree and Rathangan (est complete sometime in Q3)

The rest is in reasonably good condition with the current dry weather, easily cyclable on something with 32mm+ tyres, might be tough going on a genuine road bike.

When I say complete above it's surfacing I'm referring to, no work done on gates, signage, or road crossings.

Is the hope eventually to extend the greenway/blue way all the way up the Grand Canal to Dublin?
I know there are plans for extending the Grand Canal greenway from the 12th lock in Lucan to Hazel Hatch, just wondering is there plans to go any further. Would make sense to have it join up with this Barrow blue way.

nilhg · 02-07-2021 06:56AM

FinnC wrote: »

Is the hope eventually to extend the greenway/blue way all the way up the Grand Canal to Dublin?
I know there are plans for extending the Grand Canal greenway from the 12th lock in Lucan to Hazel Hatch, just wondering is there plans to go any further. Would make sense to have it join up with this Barrow blue way.

There are local reports that Sallins to Hazlehatch will start in Sept for completion in July 22, I'd imagine that the rest of the Kildare section will follow quickly after that.

https://www.facebook.com/GrandCnlGrenway/

Mercian Pro · 03-07-2021 01:26PM

A reminder that the consultation period on Fingal's plans for the Royal Canal Greenway ends next Wednesday. Seems like the residents of the housing estates near the Deep Sinking have been very active in opposing any route along the northern bank despite the severe restrictions of any southern option. Please take a few minutes to support the current plans at
https://consult.fingal.ie/en/consultation/royal-canal-urban-greenway

nilhg · 03-07-2021 09:24PM

Interesting article by Sarah Caden in the Indo (paywalled if your'e not a subscriber) in which she talks about her mum, who is the lady on the trike who was interviewed by Anne Cassin during their Nationwide special on the Royal Canal Greenway. She eloquently makes the case for making green/blueways accessible to all and has a good cut at those who campaigned against the upgrade of the Barrow track below Athy.

https://www.independent.ie/opinion/comment/not-surfacing-our-greenways-only-adds-to-cycle-of-blocking-olderpeoplesfreedoms-40608024.html

TBH I have to agree with her, which wouldn't be something that often happens, I'm seeing first hand the difference upgrading the Barrow line is making and while the grass track is nice this time of the year for most people it's no use most of the year.

this.lad · 03-07-2021 10:48PM

nilhg wrote: »

Interesting article by Sarah Caden in the Indo (paywalled if your'e not a subscriber) in which she talks about her mum, who is the lady on the trike who was interviewed by Anne Cassin during their Nationwide special on the Royal Canal Greenway. She eloquently makes the case for making green/blueways accessible to all and has a good cut at those who campaigned against the upgrade of the Barrow track below Athy.

https://www.independent.ie/opinion/comment/not-surfacing-our-greenways-only-adds-to-cycle-of-blocking-olderpeoplesfreedoms-40608024.html

TBH I have to agree with her, which wouldn't be something that often happens, I'm seeing first hand the difference upgrading the Barrow line is making and while the grass track is nice this time of the year for most people it's no use most of the year.

They have done a lovely job on the section from vicarstown back towards Athy. We drove over a couple of weeks ago and walked it with the kids. It was getting plenty of use, as was the canal itself.

I would often cycle the road along the opposite side ofthe canal here but never saw so many out before. Running it to all the way to carlow and beyond would be an excellent amenity.

I think that cycling routes that don't consist solely of a line painted on the road are the way we need to move. I'm not entirely sure that they need to follow a canal or disused railway.

If we were to be serious about cycling to work and to school this is needed, I wont let mine cycle at silage time for example.

riddlinrussell · 06-07-2021 01:19PM

nilhg wrote: »

There are local reports that Sallins to Hazlehatch will start in Sept for completion in July 22, I'd imagine that the rest of the Kildare section will follow quickly after that.

https://www.facebook.com/GrandCnlGrenway/

Sallins to the Offaly border is planned as a 'Phase 2' following on from the current Sallins-Hazelhatch section. I 'think' it might have part 8 approval, but I wouldn't be at all sure on that, if its progressed soon it could be started in 2022 after the current section is finished, but I'd say 2023 at least.

josip · 19-11-2021 05:47PM

Does anyone know where the Access Points will be for the New Ross to Waterford (South East) Greenway ?

The website don't list any access points apart from the beginning and end, which can't really be considered access points, every kind of a track/path has a beginning and an end.

http://southeastgreenway.net/access-points-parking/

Seth Brundle · 19-11-2021 09:27PM

Would they not be at almost every road crossing?

Greenway Map

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