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Ireland's old railways to become cycle routes

  • 22-07-2010 7:29pm
    #1
    ForiegnNational
    Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭


    Has anybody heard anything further about this piece of news from last year?
    Ireland's old railways to become cycle routes

    Government earmarks several for conversion to fuel tourism boom

    Stephen O'Brien

    The Irish government wants to fuel the boom in walking and cycling tourism by converting dozens of disused railway lines into cycle paths.
    Eamon Ó Cuív, the rural affairs minister, has invited communities living along the most scenic former rail routes, including the famous West Clare Railway, to convert them into tourist cycle paths using the annual €85m rural development fund.
    The West Clare line stretches 50 miles from Ennis around the Burren rock formation to Kilkee on the Atlantic coast and Kilrush on the Shannon estuary. It is typical of the type of route Ó Cuív believes could be surfaced and signposted as cycle paths.
    “We have so many spectacular, old, abandoned railway lines,” he said. “The two that come to mind are the one through the Barnesmore gap, and the one to Caherciveen from Farranfore in Co Kerry, which tracks half of the Ring of Kerry.”
    The number of walking tourists visiting Ireland surged from 168,000 in 2003 to 517,000 last year and Ó Cuív believes the influx can be increased further.
    He includes the old Westport-Achill Island railway line in Co Mayo, a long-abandoned Galway-Clifden route through Connemara, and sections of the old Limerick-Tralee line as suitable for conversion. The former Tralee-Dingle line is another that could be targeted by local rural development groups, as is the former line from Cork city through west Cork.
    Tony Boyd, chief executive of Iron Donkey, an Irish cycle tourism company, welcomed the minister’s suggestion. He said: “Old railway lines are perfect because the terrain is gradual and they are not accessible to traffic.
    “That is the sort of cycling that families are looking for because you can start with children as young as three or four.”
    Boyd added that Ireland’s scenery and reputation for friendliness already placed it in the top 10 cycle-touring destinations worldwide.
    Ó Cuív said most abandoned railway lines passed back into the hands of farmers and landowners decades ago and local Leader (rural development) groups would have to negotiate to secure rights.
    After a difficult start in establishing a national walks scheme, negotiation secured a series of hiking pathways and there are now 182 approved walks. In return for granting rights and agreeing to perform maintenance, farmers can get an annual fee from the state ranging from €725 to €1,900.

    Tagged:


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Deedsie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,283 ✭✭✭Deedsie


    Sounds like a good idea to me anyway.


  • #3
    Nuttzz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,777 ✭✭✭Nuttzz


    sounds good until you ger the tour de france wannabes on them


  • #4
    db
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,094 ✭✭✭db


    I think this is a great idea and could build on the success of the looped walks. I already cycle with my kids on some of the walks nearby and it is great to have somewhere to go where there is no traffic. The only problem with the old railways is where the bridges they used no longer exist.


  • #5
    T Corolla
    Closed Accounts Posts: 611 ✭✭✭T Corolla


    I hope they do the same with the clairemorris to collooney railway as its will never be a working railway in the next 100 yrs plus the fact that it is very beautiful landscape around it.


  • #6
    T Corolla
    Closed Accounts Posts: 611 ✭✭✭T Corolla


    Is there any railway beds left in the cavan-monaghan region as it is a beautiful part of the country.


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  • #7
    newportlad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 261 ✭✭newportlad


    i've seen evidence of this in my hometown of newport in county Mayo. an old railway line going Ar far as next town mulranagh has been converted and i have to say a great job has been done. very good quality fences and tracks and hopefully will bring many tourists to the area.


  • #8
    cmore123
    Registered Users Posts: 154 ✭✭cmore123


    It was on TV tonight, Newport lad - RTE series "Tracks and Trails" RTE 1 at 7.30 pm next few Fridays. Diarmuid Gavin (celeb gardener) was presenting it.


  • #9
    ClareVisitor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 183 ✭✭ClareVisitor


    Great idea, it's an easy and relatively cheap way of promoting tourism. Having dedicated cycleways four cycling tourists which go near popular tourist destinations could provide a huge boost.


  • #10
    Ole Rodrigo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,013 ✭✭✭Ole Rodrigo


    ClareVisitor wrote: »
    Great idea, it's an easy and relatively cheap way of promoting tourism. Having dedicated cycleways four cycling tourists which go near popular tourist destinations could provide a huge boost.

    And construction jobs too. The one in New York looks great.

    [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkEzQ0VV0AE&feature=related]


  • #11
    Judgement Day
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    rocstar wrote: »
    And construction jobs too. The one in New York looks great.

    [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkEzQ0VV0AE&feature=related]

    Yes, yes but you're hardly comparing like with like. Former little used railways lines in the west of Ireland would become little used cycleways/walkways - let's just wait and see the figures for the Newport/Mulranny route before we rush to convert any more routes. The Tralee & Dingle route which some have suggested is largely along the main road - some walkway. ;)


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  • #12
    Ole Rodrigo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,013 ✭✭✭Ole Rodrigo


    Judgement Day wrote: »
    Yes, yes but you're hardly comparing like with like.

    True, but it illustrates the potential in the right places.
    Judgement Day wrote: »
    Former little used railways lines in the west of Ireland would become little used cycleways/walkways

    Build it and they will come ?;)
    Judgement Day wrote: »
    The Tralee & Dingle route which some have suggested is largely along the main road - some walkway. ;)

    I agree - showpiece !


  • #13
    cmore123
    Registered Users Posts: 154 ✭✭cmore123


    J Day, I am glad to be able to report that the use of the Mulrany - Newport secyion has already surpassed local (and Mayo Council) expectations to the extent that further work is planned at the Achill and Westport end. The former Westport Quay railway line became a cycleway some years ago and is very well used. Granted, it is (a) in a town, (b) short, and (c) is the most direct way for pedestrians and cyclists from the Harbour area into town. However, if visitors numbers in the wilds of Bunnahowna area are up from estimates, that would suggest there is indeed further potential.

    Not every old railway line, obviously, is suited to be a path. The T & D would probably be a very good one, and the GSR Trail in Limerick / Kerry has been a success, but the fact that an abandoned railway exists does not in itself mean it will be any use as a cycleway. I would take the view, however, that the ones mentioned above by others are indeed worthwhile - as has been seen.


  • #14
    ClareVisitor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 183 ✭✭ClareVisitor


    Judgement Day wrote: »
    Yes, yes but you're hardly comparing like with like. Former little used railways lines in the west of Ireland would become little used cycleways/walkways - let's just wait and see the figures for the Newport/Mulranny route before we rush to convert any more routes. The Tralee & Dingle route which some have suggested is largely along the main road - some walkway. ;)
    I haven't lived in Ireland for quite a few years, but it always surprised me just how many people were cycling round Ireland for their holidays, it's not exactly as flat as Holland! To build on this, dedicated cycleways are about the best thing I can think of, cycling on windy rural roads with locals flying along in cars can be pretty dangerous. This seems like something that could be marketed to cycling enthusiasts and grow this sector of the tourism market well.


  • #15
    T Corolla
    Closed Accounts Posts: 611 ✭✭✭T Corolla


    ClareVisitor wrote: »
    I haven't lived in Ireland for quite a few years, but it always surprised me just how many people were cycling round Ireland for their holidays, it's not exactly as flat as Holland! To build on this, dedicated cycleways are about the best thing I can think of, cycling on windy rural roads with locals flying along in cars can be pretty dangerous. This seems like something that could be marketed to cycling enthusiasts and grow this sector of the tourism market well.

    I think this posts sums it all up as to the attractiveness of the cycleways. Here in Mullingar they extended the walkway along the canal by 4km and you could walk it anytime of day any you are bound to meet group of families out walking and groups of people out running on it and groups cycling. I hope Westmeath Co Council could get more money and extend it from the Dublin bridge to as far as it possible to go to make a decent cyclepath.


  • #16
    RustyNut
    Registered Users Posts: 3,430 ✭✭✭RustyNut


    Yay :):):)


  • #17
    Ole Rodrigo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,013 ✭✭✭Ole Rodrigo


    I think an idea this good needs national funding and as little interference from county councils as possible.
    Just in case..


  • #18
    dowlingm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,337 ✭✭✭dowlingm


    Lifting the Foynes-Limerick tracks and paving the alignment could provide an express route for cyclists between Limerick station and Raheen and on to Patrickswell and Adare, and let's face it the likelihood of anything else happening there is approaching zero, notwithstanding this. However, there is also the issue of cyclists being able to use public transport to access these cycleways.


  • #19
    Poster King
    Registered Users Posts: 260 ✭✭Poster King


    I think this is a great idea, I have seen some old railway lines in France that have been converted to cycleways and they get massive use. I am quite familiar with the Galway to Clifden line, having ridden most of it on horseback. Some of it could quite easily be converted, like the section between Ballinahinch and Clifden, while other parts have been converted to the N59 road. The N59 has been recently earmarked for improvements, and a cyclelane has been mentioned for inclusion along the side of the road.
    Maybe they could do a combination of converting parts of the old railway line, and where this is not possible or where it would be too expensive or where brides have been removed, they could add a cycle lane to the side of the N59.

    The Galway to Clifden line was said to be one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world.


  • #20
    jd
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,709 ✭✭✭jd


    I wonder would it be possible to do Bagnelstown->Killurin/Macmines..


  • #21
    hi5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,107 ✭✭✭hi5


    jd wrote: »
    I wonder would it be possible to do Bagnelstown->Killurin/Macmines..

    It would be great to cycle over the viaduct in Borris,need to put some railings up though!

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cme/4295433502/


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  • #22
    westtip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,282 ✭✭✭westtip


    just look at Sustrans website to see what is possible - Every country in Europe has grasped this idea as a positive way of using old rail lines and protecting the alignments we have one or two good examples now in Ireland but the potential is huge, there are so many opportunities but as per usual we will contemplate our navels get a shed load of consultants on the idea produce a load of fancy worded documents in .pdf format for the Internet - to show that information is made public and all that cr*p, and basically the involvement of too many interested parties and agencies will mean this opportunity will pass us by. Its the usual story: P*ss up in a brewery could not be organised by a bunch of useless politicians and ineffective civil servants.


  • #23
    ForiegnNational
    Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭ForiegnNational


    I have found the National Cycle Policy Framework includes the following:
    we will support the provision of dedicated signed rural cycling networks building on Fáilte Ireland’s Strategy to Develop Irish Cycling Tourism. This will cater for recreational cyclists as well as visitors.
    Ireland currently does not have a National Cycle Network on the ground. However, Fáilte Ireland has produced its Strategy for the Development of Irish Cycle Tourism (Fáilte Ireland, 2007). This strategy identified an approximately 3000km long network running from Donegal along the West, South and South-east coasts and continuing along the East coast as far as the Northern Ireland border. While the main target market of the cycle tourism strategy is visitors – both overseas and domestic – the secondary target market is recreational cyclists. From the perspective of the National Cycle Policy Framework, encouraging recreational cycling is a key element of creating a cycling culture in Ireland and recreational routes in and around urban areas, which, in turn link to rural areas are very important.
    The network identified will mainly use a mix of minor roads, and some greenways. The greenways are especially important for, typically, the first 10km along the routes emanating from busy town centres which are heavily trafficked and particularly unattractive for inexperienced or very young cyclists. While the overall framework of the tourism network has been identified, there is more work to be carried out to identify further routes, particularly in the Midlands and particularly to use existing traffic free routes such as the canal and river tow paths. There is also further work to be carried out in identifying which sections of the extensive network of disused rail-lines would be most suitable to be converted to high quality, traffic-free routes suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
    3.2 Expansion of NCN
    We will carry out further research and surveying work in order to expand the network to include rural recreational routes around urban areas and to connect major urban areas. We will pay special attention to the opportunities of using both the extensive disused rail network and canal / river tow-path networks as cycling / walking routes. In expanding the network, we will examine the recent UK experiences of the construction of their networks.
    But no specifics. Sustrans has a limited amount of information on routes (primarily in the north) here, but I know that at least two additional routes have opened or been upgraded in Cork (one along an old railway alignment), of which I find no mention.


  • #24
    westtip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,282 ✭✭✭westtip


    When I said go to Sustrans website - it was merely to say if you want it done properly then this is the way to do it. We have no Sustrans in ROI - they have done stuff in NI but i know from the Belfast office of Sustrans they tear their hair out in respect of what could be done here - this whole ideaq has huge potential here - but when you have idiots like Dempsey in charge of transport we get what we deserve, plus the fact whilst it may seem like a simple idea to make an old track bed into a walkway/cycling trail it seems that about 40 vested interest parties (stakeholder is the sickening modern term) make an appearance and nothign gets done.

    I think a handful of regular writers on this forum could identify a national cycle network using old railways in about half a day, but that use of citezens abilities would be considered abhorrent by politicians and civil servants alike (two of the vested interest parties)


  • #25
    SeanW
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,867 ✭✭✭SeanW


    Props to Eamon O Cuiv, this is the first suggestion he's made that actually makes sense!

    First time for everything I guess.


  • #26
    westtip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,282 ✭✭✭westtip


    SeanW wrote: »
    Props to Eamon O Cuiv, this is the first suggestion he's made that actually makes sense!

    First time for everything I guess.

    O'Cuiv suggested the idea of a greenway for Claremorris Collooney in May 2009 at a West on Track conference - I know cos he used two paragraphs from a letter I wrote to him in February 09 in his speech - I met him at the time and he really likes this idea - its writtent about at lenght on the wrc thread (the original thread). However nothing will be done about the idea cos our system is so incredibly inefficient and cos we don't have a heroic organisation like sustrans to champion the cause of walking and cycliing routes.


  • #27
    Judgement Day
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    westtip wrote: »
    O'Cuiv suggested the idea of a greenway for Claremorris Collooney in May 2009 at a West on Track conference - I know cos he used two paragraphs from a letter I wrote to him in February 09 in his speech - I met him at the time and he really likes this idea - its writtent about at lenght on the wrc thread (the original thread). However nothing will be done about the idea cos our system is so incredibly inefficient and cos we don't have a heroic organisation like sustrans to champion the cause of walking and cycliing routes.

    Thank goodness that we don't have an organisation like Sustrans or they would have all our railway lines turned into walkways! After all Dempsey's spinning yesterday my head is spinning too but I think I can still the light of the oncoming train on the Burma Road. Better put the ginger beer back in the fridge. :D


  • #28
    westtip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,282 ✭✭✭westtip


    Judgement Day wrote: »
    Thank goodness that we don't have an organisation like Sustrans or they would have all our railway lines turned into walkways! After all Dempsey's spinning yesterday my head is spinning too but I think I can still the light of the oncoming train on the Burma Road. Better put the ginger beer back in the fridge. :D

    LOL very loudly. but honestly isn't Dempsey such a prize banker.


  • #29
    westtip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,282 ✭✭✭westtip


    JD the letters page in the Irish Times (nothing to do with me this time) but I did enjoy this one:

    http://www.irishtimes.com/letters/
    Madam, – Having just spent a wonderful few hours on the excellent 18km cycleway on the old railway route between Newport and Mulranny, I’d like to say well done to Mayo Council Council and Mayo landowners on their collaborative effort. What a joy to ride through a beautiful brooding landscape without the fear or threat of being knocked down, yelled at or intimidated by car drivers. It’s perfect for all ages and has multiple benefits, not least of which is tackling childhood obesity in a safe environment.

    Why not repeat this success and tackle all the disused railway lines in the country – especially the old Galway-Clifden line? Can you imagine that cycleway? 78km of stress free cycling – what a boost to locals and tourists alike. Calling all county councils: what are you waiting for? – Yours, etc,

    HELEN MURRAY,

    Leas na Creige,

    Oughterard, Co Galway.

    Ms Murray you have said it all - but it has been said many times over, but good letter.


  • #30
    Judgement Day
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    So westtip - that's two of you who use the Greenway! :D Anyway, please tell me that it's not really a line of tarmac on the trackbed as I just had a look at this http://www.mayotoday.ie/2010/05/02/great-western-greenway-newport-mulranny/-4293? I wouldn't object to trackbeds being converted to footpaths but tarmac! This one on the Isle of Man is used by horses, walkers and cyclists and not tarmaced. http://www.visitisleofman.com/activities/events/mountainbiking/railwaylines.xml
    2905460728_a6bc6ed39b.jpg

    Lots more pics of the wonderful Isle of Man here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tasa_m/2905460728/in/photostream/ and a shameless plug for my latest blog here: http://missingmann.wordpress.com/


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  • #31
    Sulmac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,021 ✭✭✭Sulmac


    I'm surprised none of you have posted this yet:
    Plan for 2,000km national cycle-path network unveiled

    OLIVIA KELLY

    Fri, Aug 20, 2010

    PLANS FOR a 2,000km national network of cycle paths connecting cities and major town across the Republic have been drafted by the National Roads Authority.

    Work on a detailed route for the first “interurban” cycle path from Dublin to Galway began recently and is due to be completed by the end of the year.

    The authority has mapped out 13 route “corridors” serving the cities of Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway, and almost 100 large towns which will make up the National Cycle Network.

    The routes pass through all of the 26 counties except Longford and vary in length from 52km (Drogheda to Trim) to 286km (Wexford to Tralee).

    Local authorities along the routes have identified almost 500km of potential off-road cycle routes, which are physically separated from the road by a grass verge or other barrier.

    The network will be made up of off-road cycleways; on-road cycleways, which are not shared with buses and taxis, and cycle trails or dedicated cycle paths, which are entirely separate from the road network, along canal tow paths or disused rail lines.

    Large parts of many inland and western counties are not served by one of the 13 route corridors. However, the roads authority said the route corridors were a “skeleton” around which the national network should develop. This could include “links and loops” between each of the corridors, as well as links to local rural and urban cycle routes to gradually allow all parts of the State to be served by cycle paths.

    In choosing the routes, the authority specified that they must connect the major cities and settlements with populations greater than 10,000 to attract the greatest number of users. The routes should be connected to public transport stops and have links to ports and airports. The network should facilitate commuter, leisure and tourism usage, and should connect to the National Cycling Network already developed in Northern Ireland.

    Each local authority will be responsible for developing their section of the network. Funding will be available through the National Sustainable Transport Office, which has been allocated €50 million for 2010 and 2011.

    A total cost for the network has yet to be quantified. However, the detailed plans for the Dublin to Galway corridor will identify how much each stage is likely to cost. The study of that route will involve detailed route selection, which will assess the potential for using parts of the Royal Canal towpath, abandoned railway lines and by-passed national roads, including the old N6. The study will also identify which types of cycle path will be used on each section of the route.

    Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said he wanted to provide “world class” cycle routes. “I believe a Dublin to Galway cycle route is an exciting concept that would prove to be a major attraction.”

    © 2010 The Irish Times

    Sounds like a fantastic idea, and if done properly could bring huge benefits.

    I'd love to see a map of the planned routes.


  • #32
    westtip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,282 ✭✭✭westtip


    Judgement Day wrote: »
    So westtip - that's two of you who use the Greenway! :D Anyway, please tell me that it's not really a line of tarmac on the trackbed as I just had a look at this http://www.mayotoday.ie/2010/05/02/great-western-greenway-newport-mulranny/-4293? I wouldn't object to trackbeds being converted to footpaths but tarmac! This one on the Isle of Man is used by horses, walkers and cyclists and not tarmaced. http://www.visitisleofman.com/activities/events/mountainbiking/railwaylines.xml
    2905460728_a6bc6ed39b.jpg

    Lots more pics of the wonderful Isle of Man here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tasa_m/2905460728/in/photostream/ and a shameless plug for my latest blog here: http://missingmann.wordpress.com/

    JD I agree about no need for tarmac, I make an admission I am yet to nip across and use this route - most of the sustrans greenways in the Uk are not tarmac - I see the article from the IT has been posted up as well, thanks Sulmac I hadn't seen it yet jsut the letters page - JD the idea is like a rolling stone - gathering momentum.....


  • #33
    westtip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,282 ✭✭✭westtip


    Here is a link to the document its on the Transport.ie web site

    http://www.smartertravel.ie/download/1/FINAL%20NCNScopingStudyAugust2010.pdf

    Maps are at the back of the document if someone more IT savvy than me can load them up - on first glance they have not seen the potential of www.sligomayogreenway.com I will of course point it out to them JD!


  • #34
    Sulmac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,021 ✭✭✭Sulmac


    westtip wrote: »
    Maps are at the back of the document if someone more IT savvy than me can load them up - on first glance they have not seen the potential of www.sligomayogreenway.com I will of course point it out to them JD!

    My feeble attempt... :o

    In all, the proposed routes look promising and easily built upon. For instance, a route from Carlow to Gorey, or Castlebar to Roscommon.


  • #35
    Stonewolf
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,132 ✭✭✭Stonewolf


    westtip wrote: »
    JD I agree about no need for tarmac, I make an admission I am yet to nip across and use this route - most of the sustrans greenways in the Uk are not tarmac - I see the article from the IT has been posted up as well, thanks Sulmac I hadn't seen it yet jsut the letters page - JD the idea is like a rolling stone - gathering momentum.....

    The UK has a whole network of different kinds of non-road pathways that we don't really have here though. I personally support the development of non-road infrastructure as I think with our national obsession with land ownership we have a real lack of land and route for public amienity. In addition to cycle ways one of the most interesting things the UK has from an Irish perspective is byways (being roads that are open to vehicular traffic but have been downgraded from tarmac), a possible solution to our proliferation of bothareens, maybe there should be another thread on that ...


  • #36
    westtip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,282 ✭✭✭westtip


    Sulmac wrote: »
    My feeble attempt... :o

    In all, the proposed routes look promising and easily built upon. For instance, a route from Carlow to Gorey, or Castlebar to Roscommon.

    I think the more detailed map offers more potential, mind you it shows how having a national tourist authority does not do any good at local level - the route map they have in for West Sligo is so bloody stupid its beyond belief.


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  • #37
    westtip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,282 ✭✭✭westtip


    Stonewolf wrote: »
    The UK has a whole network of different kinds of non-road pathways that we don't really have here though. I personally support the development of non-road infrastructure as I think with our national obsession with land ownership we have a real lack of land and route for public amienity. In addition to cycle ways one of the most interesting things the UK has from an Irish perspective is byways (being roads that are open to vehicular traffic but have been downgraded from tarmac), a possible solution to our proliferation of bothareens, maybe there should be another thread on that ...

    I'm not sure this initiative coming from the National Roads Authority is the right direction - a lot of talk about cycleways attached to roads - I think the emphasis must be on total separation of cycling/long distance walkways away from roads. Having said that - this document is a massive step in the right direction.


  • #38
    Stonewolf
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,132 ✭✭✭Stonewolf


    westtip wrote: »
    I'm not sure this initiative coming from the National Roads Authority is the right direction - a lot of talk about cycleways attached to roads - I think the emphasis must be on total separation of cycling/long distance walkways away from roads. Having said that - this document is a massive step in the right direction.

    Depends how it's built, a few signposts would be fairly rubbish but they might build a separated bicycle "carriageway". It'd be a typically Irish shotsightedness to do it that way but given the cost of establishing a route away from the road we may have to put up with it. I think what you're most likely to see is a widening of the hard shoulder in a different colour of tarmac.


  • #39
    Sulmac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,021 ✭✭✭Sulmac


    A good example to follow is that of the Netherlands, who are famous for their bicycle culture. They have a well developed national network of landelijke fietsroutes, over 6,000km long and all numbered and signposted using their own unique signs (examples: 1, 2).

    They should also develop "rest-stops" along the routes, with picnic areas, toilets (and maybe showers), campsites and boards showing local tourist information. Basically, service areas for cycle routes. :D


  • #40
    westtip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,282 ✭✭✭westtip


    I'm not sure what the status of this document is - they launch these documents as if they ar tablets of stone - I think there is a lot good in it but a lot needs to be examined. The NRA etc should be looking for public submissions on it. I will certainly be writing to them with a lot of points I want to raise.


  • #41
    westtip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,282 ✭✭✭westtip


    Good news from Dempseys Department last week, this will bring more tourists to the West next year.

    http://www.noeldempsey.ie/index.php/national/ministers-dempsey-and-cuffe-and-failte-ireland-announce-funding-for-mayo-to-complete-great-western-greenway-route
    Ministers Dempsey and Cuffe and Fáilte Ireland announce funding for Mayo to complete Great Western Greenway route

    Press Release 12 September 2010

    The Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD, together with Minister of State Ciaran Cuffe T.D. and Fáilte Ireland today announced a joint funding package of €3.5m for Mayo Co. Council to complete the “Great Western Greenway” from Westport to Achill, in Co. Mayo.

    The first phase of the Great Western Greenway, an 18km route from Newport to Mulranny, was opened in April 2010. Following the huge success of this first phase a €3.5m funding package has been agreed to complete the Greenway. The initial 18km phase will be extended, from Mulranny to Achill and from Newport to Westport resulting in a 42km route which will loop around scenic Clew Bay, mainly along the line of the old Midland Great Western Railway.

    The Department of Transport and Fáilte Ireland are co-funding the project, which has been developed by Mayo County Council. The project is the result of Mayo County Council and local landowners working together, and in partnership with other state agencies and bodies, both to develop the concept of the walking and cycling Greenway and to ensure its delivery. It is expected that the route will be completed in early 2011.

    The 18km route from Newport to Mulranny, which opened in April 2010 will be extended by 13km from Mulranny to Achill in the west, and by 11km from Newport to Westport in the south. The resulting 42km off road cycle and walking route will be a world class outdoor attraction, and provide an excellent recreational and transport amenity for locals and visitors alike. Thousands of people have already walked or cycled the initial phase of the route since it opened in April.

    Minister Dempsey, who opened the first phase of this route in April, singled out the role of local landowners in ensuring the delivery of this project saying “There are about 160 landowners along this 42km route, and without their generosity and commitment to the idea of a Great Western Greenway, this project would not have seen the light of day.”

    He added, “Having cycled the Newport to Mulranny route myself back in April, I saw just how spectacular the route is, and how popular it with people of all ages. Delivering the full 42km route will mean thousands more people will cycle or walk the route, and that even more local businesses will benefit from it.”

    Minister Cuffe, who has responsibility for sustainable transport, noted “Given the number of visitors to this area each year, the Greenway will help people from all over Ireland to re-engage with cycling. The route will also show what is possible in terms of delivering high quality cycle routes in Ireland, and I hope that it will act as a stepping stone towards delivering a National Cycle Network throughout Ireland.”

    Welcoming the announcement the Cathaoirleach of Mayo Co Council Cllr. Michael Burke said “ This is very welcome news and a very worthwhile investment in the Tourism infrastructure of the county “ County Manager Peter Hynes thanked the Department , Failte Ireland, the landowners and other bodies involved in a project which will help to establish Mayo as a premier walking and cycling destination.

    ENDS



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  • #42
    Judgement Day
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    At least it means that the route will be available for rebuilding as a railway once the Burma Road is completed. :D


  • #43
    westtip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,282 ✭✭✭westtip


    Judgement Day wrote: »
    At least it means that the route will be available for rebuilding as a railway once the Burma Road is completed. :D

    JD as you well know in the current climate there will not be a single ginger beer shared on a steamer purring up the burma road; but indeed yes you have made a good point - Sustrans apparently in the UK never take ownership of the routes converted to Greenway - they are retained by Railtrack who if they want to at some point in the future re-open a rail line can then do so - the wholesale conversion to greenways of mothballed lines will in the long term work in favour of rail when our cars come to a grinding halt. As they are a way of protecting the alignments and stopping the nicking a bit of land here and there by various adjacent landowners of raila lines who seem to think because the trains have gone away they can stick a conservatory on the old rail line...Of course with no coal to burn and the need for nuclear power the notebook carrying variety of train travellors will be less than happy.

    On yer bike JD on yer bike....:D


  • #44
    Prowetod
    Registered Users Posts: 521 ✭✭✭Prowetod


    Bit of a gravedig but the front page of the Evening Echo last weekend was about turning the railway from Cork to Bantry to a cycle/walk path.

    I think it would be a great idea. It would be amazing to walk over the Viaduct. Anyone have any information about this?

    The article briefly touched on financing. I think it was saying it would cost 4-5million (excluding land cost).


  • #45
    yer man!
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,653 ✭✭✭yer man!


    Galway city and county council are trying to get the city - clifden cycleway off the ground at the moment. They are just installing a cable stayed bridge now in Galway to mark the start of it and are currently talking to landowners along the route as far as moycullen (phase 1) but many of them aren't willing to provide the right of way through their land which makes things very difficult. Nui Galway said they'd provide funding for the cycleway though their lands but the rest is up to the gov, unfortunately funding is really tight and its sorta put on hold except for the bridge which is going in this month.


  • #46
    hi5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,107 ✭✭✭hi5


    yer man! wrote: »
    are currently talking to landowners along the route as far as moycullen (phase 1) but many of them aren't willing to provide the right of way through their land which makes things very difficult.

    If it was originally a railway line, wouldn't the right of way still exist?


    Was the land even sold at the time or were they just given it?
    It would be interesting to know what the legalities at the time were.


  • #47
    yer man!
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,653 ✭✭✭yer man!


    Tracks were pulled up and sold off and I'm almost certain the land was sold as it runs through a golf course and many houses along it's route.


  • #48
    Judgement Day
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    Well I'm not in the least surprised at the attitude of landowners, I was interested in buying the old station at Ballynahinch many years ago and I wouldn't have welcomed Uncle Tom Cobley and all parading through my garden.


  • #49
    galwaycyclist
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,912 ✭✭✭galwaycyclist


    Judgement Day wrote: »
    Well I'm not in the least surprised at the attitude of landowners, I was interested in buying the old station at Ballynahinch many years ago and I wouldn't have welcomed Uncle Tom Cobley and all parading through my garden.

    The thought occurs that if you converted it into the "Old Victorian Tea Rooms", and had a captive market of hundreds if not thousands of well-heeled European cycling tourists passing your door every day, you would not be complaining at all.


  • #50
    Cionád
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,000 ✭✭✭Cionád


    galwaycyclist wrote: »
    The thought occurs that if you converted it into the "Old Victorian Tea Rooms", and had a captive market of hundreds if not thousands of well-heeled European cycling tourists passing your door every day, you would not be complaining at all.

    +1

    The Greenway in Mayo seems to have worked wonders, I think only 1 landowner refused right of way (the section just out side Newport that still uses the N59 afaik)

    http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/travel/2012/0218/1224311879321.html


  • #51
    Judgement Day
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    galwaycyclist wrote: »
    The thought occurs that if you converted it into the "Old Victorian Tea Rooms", and had a captive market of hundreds if not thousands of well-heeled European cycling tourists passing your door every day, you would not be complaining at all.

    You could well be right. Anyway, the twenty thousand pounds price tag put me off. :D

    Castletown%2B002.JPG


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