Greenways [greenway map of Ireland in post 1]

Del.Monte · 27-01-2020 5:23pm

MJohnston wrote: »

Pathetic, predictable selfishness from you.

Guess I'm just a bad person.

riddlinrussell · 27-01-2020 5:54pm

Del.Monte wrote: »

Hopefully.

More than likely they would instead run cycleways through new ross/across the main road bridge in new ross to get punters into the town, then continue on back tot he railway line, would be a fantastic architectural feature to have on the route though, a real shame if it were to fall into disrepair

serfboard · 27-01-2020 6:25pm

Del.Monte wrote: »

Hopefully.

And there are people on the WRC thread who accuse Greenway supporters of being spiteful ...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dog_in_the_Manger

If I can’t use it for what I want, then I don’t want anyone else using it either.

Pat D. Almighty · 27-01-2020 6:31pm

Will Dublin ever get safe segregated cycle lanes or should I just move to Holland or Scandinavia lol

Corca Baiscinn · 27-01-2020 10:36pm

Pat D. Almighty wrote: »

Will Dublin ever get safe segregated cycle lanes or should I just move to Holland or Scandinavia lol

Before you head off have you tried any of the following .....

Supporting the Liffey Cycle Protest yesterday?
Signing the uplift petition re a trial of the route?
Bringing up cycling infra with your LE20 & GE20 canvassers?
Asking them to sign up to cyclingforall.ie
Responding to any of the DTTAs consultation papers re sustainable mobility especially the Active Travel one? (If not you have until 28th Feb)
Assuming you're in GDA joining Dublin, DLR, Skerries or Maynooth Cycling Campaigns?
If employed, asking your employer to sign up to Cycling Works Dublin?
Ditto, asking your employer to become a Business member of Dublin Cycling? Campaign as Dropbox have just done, tho' not necessarily at that level?
Taking part on any of the IBikeDublin Cycle Lane Protection events?

I'm sure you'll answer "I just want to ride my bicycle"! and I dont blame you!

Harry Palmr · 29-01-2020 5:47pm

Why isn't there a proper greenway.ie website as a one stop shop for every greenway in the land?

riddlinrussell · 30-01-2020 3:28pm

Harry Palmr wrote: »

Why isn't there a proper greenway.ie website as a one stop shop for every greenway in the land?

Short answer, nobody has set one up yet.
Long answer, one would assume that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport would have set one up and SHOULD set one up, given my previously stressed statement that it is an illogical mix of roles this is actually one of those extremely rare occasions where all three of its briefs align!

Greaney · 30-01-2020 7:54pm

Harry Palmr wrote: »

Why isn't there a proper greenway.ie website as a one stop shop for every greenway in the land?

It's a good question and we can only guess it's because we've very few greenways and many are at planning stage so far. My experience of government departments, is that if it's a government led program you'll have a slick webpage, however the truth is, many of these greenways are community led, note there's an appeal for applications from groups who've been working on them, asking for ones that are 'shovel ready'.

In contrast the Eurovelo is centrally led and the funding has been pre-approved for them even if they've not been planned and built yet. Any of us interested in cycling infrastructure would do well to look at the plans and see what we can develop off them... Linking greenways is a prudent plan....

30-01-2020 9:15pm

Greaney wrote: »

It's a good question and we can only guess it's because we've very few greenways and many are at planning stage so far. My experience of government departments, is that if it's a government led program you'll have a slick webpage, however the truth is, many of these greenways are community led, note there's an appeal for applications from groups who've been working on them, asking for ones that are 'shovel ready'.

In contrast the Eurovelo is centrally led and the funding has been pre-approved for them even if they've not been planned and built yet. Any of us interested in cycling infrastructure would do well to look at the plans and see what we can develop off them... Linking greenways is a prudent plan....

Absolutely, take for example the future Athenry to Sligo greenway, that will connect nicely with that route

Pete_Cavan · 30-01-2020 9:32pm

I'd say most greenways here are not interested in being part of a shared website, they see other greenways as competition. Each are probably happy enough to be seen as a standalone amenity. When we have an extensive network of greenways where people can travel long distances by bike alone we can market it to the world in a Wild Atlantic Way type campaign.

Greaney · 30-01-2020 11:32pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Absolutely, take for example the future Athenry to Sligo greenway, that will connect nicely with that route

You'd think, but the Eurovelo route got a setback, and was to go through Loughrea and on to Craughwell and Claregalway.... the folk who want a greenway would do well to put their energy in that 5 mile stretch..... or drawing it up towards Athenry

Sligo eye · 31-01-2020 12:24am

Greaney wrote: »

You'd think, but the Eurovelo route got a setback, and was to go through Loughrea and on to Craughwell and Claregalway.... the folk who want a greenway would do well to put their energy in that 5 mile stretch..... or drawing it up towards Athenry

The folk who want a Greenway on the railway line from Athenry to Sligo were too busy writing this very spiteful Facebook page... https://www.facebook.com/Offdarails/photos/a.370787399936462/982606995421163/?type=3

stoneill · 31-01-2020 9:34am

I always figured that some of the major infrastructure is a lost opportunity to provide good walking cycling access to areas that have stunning views. The two that come to mind as most obvious is the M50 bridge over the Liffey and the new New Ross bypass. These bridges could have easily been designed to have a safe walking and cycling lane to enjoy the views.

Grassey · 31-01-2020 12:25pm

stoneill wrote: »

I always figured that some of the major infrastructure is a lost opportunity to provide good walking cycling access to areas that have stunning views. The two that come to mind as most obvious is the M50 bridge over the Liffey and the new New Ross bypass. These bridges could have easily been designed to have a safe walking and cycling lane to enjoy the views.

I agree, the first picture I saw of the New Ross bridge was that I wouldn't fancy being on the bike going across it!

Hibernicis · 31-01-2020 12:41pm

Grassey wrote: »

I agree, the first picture I saw of the New Ross bridge was that I wouldn't fancy being on the bike going across it!

I was thinking about this as I drove over the bridge yesterday and you are 100% correct. There is no hard shoulder or walkway whatsoever on the bridge (unlike even Waterford's Thomas Francis Meagher Bridge). If you were to cycle it you would be completely at the mercy of passing cars, and while the majority of drivers could be expected to move to the overtaking lane and give you a wide berth, all it would take is one idiot to leave it too late to change lanes and attempt to skim past you in your lane. If there was even a narrow 1m-1.5m hard shoulder it would provide some refuge. As it stands the only hope would be to cycle 2m out from the parapet and completely hog the lane. But this carries its own dangers.

whisky_galore · 31-01-2020 12:48pm

Sligo eye wrote: »

The folk who want a Greenway on the railway line from Athenry to Sligo were too busy writing this very spiteful Facebook page... https://www.facebook.com/Offdarails/photos/a.370787399936462/982606995421163/?type=3

Must have lots of time on their hands, sad crank.

Harry Palmr · 31-01-2020 4:57pm

Adding walking/cycling paths (one each side) would effectively widen the structure by about 15% and that would have to be paid for by someone. You could build a single path of course but then you'd only have those lovely views in one direction.
You'd also have the question about mixing pedestrians and cyclists as well....

whisky_galore · 31-01-2020 5:58pm

Pete_Cavan wrote: »

I'd say most greenways here are not interested in being part of a shared website, they see other greenways as competition. Each are probably happy enough to be seen as a standalone amenity. When we have an extensive network of greenways where people can travel long distances by bike alone we can market it to the world in a Wild Atlantic Way type campaign.

It's a "come visit our area and spend your money here" angle. They're hardly going to promote a greenway at the opposite end of the country let alone a neighbouring, quite likely rival one.

Pete_Cavan · 01-02-2020 10:47pm

whisky_galore wrote: »

It's a "come visit our area and spend your money here" angle. They're hardly going to promote a greenway at the opposite end of the country let alone a neighbouring, quite likely rival one.

It’s not about one greenway promoting another at the opposite end of the country, a single website with info and promoting all greenways would be a good idea. Being part of such a shared resource would probably raise the profile of greenways generally and be beneficial for all.

Once we have an extensive enough interconnected greenway network, it should be marketed under a common brand with sub-branding for various sections. The success of the Wild Atlantic Way shows how far a brand of sufficient scale can reach.

spacetweek · 01-02-2020 10:55pm

stoneill wrote: »

I always figured that some of the major infrastructure is a lost opportunity to provide good walking cycling access to areas that have stunning views. The two that come to mind as most obvious is the M50 bridge over the Liffey and the new New Ross bypass. These bridges could have easily been designed to have a safe walking and cycling lane to enjoy the views.

You might get a lot of jumpers. And in Dublin, the occasional mugger.

whisky_galore · 02-02-2020 7:29pm

Pete_Cavan wrote: »

It’s not about one greenway promoting another at the opposite end of the country, a single website with info and promoting all greenways would be a good idea. Being part of such a shared resource would probably raise the profile of greenways generally and be beneficial for all.

Once we have an extensive enough interconnected greenway network, it should be marketed under a common brand with sub-branding for various sections. The success of the Wild Atlantic Way shows how far a brand of sufficient scale can reach.

Somebody should do something..

Del.Monte · 02-02-2020 7:53pm

Harry Palmr wrote: »

Why isn't there a proper greenway.ie website as a one stop shop for every greenway in the land?

Why don't you start one?

Harry Palmr · 04-02-2020 6:48pm

I was wondering about it yes. Alas I'm not website construction friendly - that said a wiki page that was worth a damn would be a start

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Greenways

riddlinrussell · 04-02-2020 9:03pm

Harry Palmr wrote: »

I was wondering about it yes. Alas I'm not website construction friendly - that said a wiki page that was worth a damn would be a start

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Greenways

Surprisingly the first time I've read that article! Not finding much on the mysterious ardee to whitemills greenway...

Corca Baiscinn · 04-02-2020 11:06pm

Harry Palmr wrote: »

I was wondering about it yes. Alas I'm not website construction friendly - that said a wiki page that was worth a damn would be a start

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Greenways

It's actually an interesting question Harry. Guess, there are a few reasons. First is Greenways are relatively new, up to recently there have only been a few so the time for your idea hasn't yet come.

Secondly though there's the fact that different bodies are responsible for marketing different types of Greenways, we have old rail trail ones, canal ones and Shannon Blue Way ones though local authorities generally construct and so are a common thread.

Thirdly though there's the rivalry, Mayo doesn't want you to know re Waterford and vice versa. Great Southern Trail wont tell you re royal Canal etc.

But is there a body with overall responsibility for tourism marketing in Irl? Yes! Tourism Ireland are and its really up to them to set up the site. the Greenway Strategy has a whole section on signage, branding and marketing so that must have been the intention. The branding is awful leprechaun green and signage is too n your face but maybe new Minister new Brand!

Pete_Cavan · 05-02-2020 11:17am

Yes there needs to be one common overall brand but one that accommodates the names of the individual greenways. It needs to come DTTS, some random person setting up a website is useful to an extent but that is not enough either. There is a level of coordination amongst all greenway stakeholders needed, plus some dictating to them, which can only come from government.

serfboard · 05-02-2020 2:03pm

Corca Baiscinn wrote: »

new Minister new Brand!

Yes, a new Minister who might actually take an interest in his own portfolio.

Harry Palmr · 19-02-2020 4:06pm

An additional €1,550,000 funding has been made available for the Bilberry to City Centre Greenway extension"

https://waterfordcouncilnews.com/2020/02/19/waterford-welcomes-funding-of-e15175000-under-ntas-project-ireland-2040/

this will bring greenway to clock tower crossing to North Quay and presumably a way will be created to allow cyclists to exit NQ onto the Kilkenny to Wexford section without using a road.

whisky_galore · 19-02-2020 4:11pm

riddlinrussell wrote: »

Surprisingly the first time I've read that article! Not finding much on the mysterious ardee to whitemills greenway...

It's a local greenway, for local people.

medoc · 21-02-2020 8:49pm

Money granted for the Offaly side of the Grand to Royal canal’s greenway link.

https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/home/519559/offaly-tourism-boost-as-500-000-invested-in-outdoor-amenities.html

pigtown · 22-02-2020 6:26am

Almost a million euro allocated for the Castletroy urban greenway in Limerick

Grassey · 22-02-2020 1:52pm

Saw on FB

**â‚¬500,000 allocated to the BoyneValley to Lakelands Greenway**
This will see the Navan to Wilkinstown section completed. Huge work is underway along all parts of the project already.

marno21 · 03-03-2020 12:50am

Tender out for the removal of rails and sleepers on the Waterford-New Ross proposed greenway

https://irl.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/163614/1/0

JohnC. · 26-05-2020 7:02am

Fingal's €12 million greenway project connecting Malahide Castle to Newbridge House gets green light

Grassey · 26-05-2020 7:18am

Saw at bottom of DLRCC release:

Ongoing Cycling Infrastructure Projects

dlr received a funding allocation of €10 million from the NTA for cycling infrastructure projects in 2020 and progress continues with these schemes. The following projects are currently under construction:

Cruagh Wood Greenway - Ballyogan Road to Cruagh Wood (nearing completion)

Got a bit excited thinking wow a greenway to Cruagh Woods... How'd I miss this...

Then looked at the link... What a difference an 's' makes!

cruagh Wood greenway

MJohnston · 26-05-2020 9:11am

Grassey wrote: »

Saw at bottom of DLRCC release:

Ongoing Cycling Infrastructure Projects

dlr received a funding allocation of €10 million from the NTA for cycling infrastructure projects in 2020 and progress continues with these schemes. The following projects are currently under construction:

Cruagh Wood Greenway - Ballyogan Road to Cruagh Wood (nearing completion)

Got a bit excited thinking wow a greenway to Cruagh Woods... How'd I miss this...

Then looked at the link... What a difference an 's' makes!

cruagh Wood greenway

I know it's not what you were hoping for, but it is an excellent addition to increase permeability in this area. It must be very frustrating to live less than 700m away from a Luas stop, yet have to walk nearly 2.5km to reach one thanks to terrible planning.

Grassey · 26-05-2020 10:01am

Oh not knocking that it's great for the area - was discussing with a mate who lives there this morning.

Just my fault for glancing at the headline and 1 + 1 = 3

pigtown · 26-05-2020 9:08pm

Roadbridge have won the contract to upgrade the 40km Great Sounthern Greenway in Limerick to a 3m wide tarmac surface for its length.

Further plans for green ways have been announced by the council

https://www.limerick.ie/council/newsroom/news/major-eu5-million-investment-great-southern-greenway-limerick

Tigerandahalf · 26-05-2020 11:04pm

What is the story with the train line from Rathkeale to Limerick? Is it still a viable greenway route?

I presume the spurs to Askeaton, Foynes and Glin would be just using existing country roads but with signage.

That area of the country could do with a tourism boost. Outside of Adare there isn't a huge attraction to entice people in.

marno21 · 27-05-2020 12:07am

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

What is the story with the train line from Rathkeale to Limerick? Is it still a viable greenway route?

I presume the spurs to Askeaton, Foynes and Glin would be just using existing country roads but with signage.

That area of the country could do with a tourism boost. Outside of Adare there isn't a huge attraction to entice people in.

Limerick to Rathkeale (or Ballingrane technically) is part of the Foynes-Limerick railway line which is currently under design work for a potential reopening

Tigerandahalf · 27-05-2020 8:17am

I presume they have some sort of plan to extend it into Limerick city?

Heartbreak Hank · 27-05-2020 9:50am

pigtown wrote: »

Roadbridge have won the contract to upgrade the 40km Great Sounthern Greenway in Limerick to a 3m wide tarmac surface for its length.

Further plans for green ways have been announced by the council

https://www.limerick.ie/council/newsroom/news/major-eu5-million-investment-great-southern-greenway-limerick

This is excellent. Too many greenways just use quarry dust which is not suitable for all bike types. I wish all had a proper sealed surface.

pigtown · 27-05-2020 9:54am

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

I presume they have some sort of plan to extend it into Limerick city?

https://twitter.com/DanielButlerFG/status/1265319935011631106?s=19

They issued a map with the longterm plans. It would be great if they were all implemented

Tigerandahalf · 27-05-2020 12:22pm

But what route are they going to use? If not the train line there isn't another ready made route.
I presume one option would be the old Adare - Patrickswell road into Limerick but that wouldn't be a greenway.
Interesting that the Eurovelo route goes along the spur from Rathkeale to Glin via Askeaton. That would presumably get EU funding.

Again you would wonder what route? Isn't a new road spur going in there as part of the Adare bypass? Could there be a greenway run alongside it?

Great to see all these greenways progress.

Del.Monte · 27-05-2020 12:59pm

Heartbreak Hank wrote: »

This is excellent. Too many greenways just use quarry dust which is not suitable for all bike types. I wish all had a proper sealed surface.

From a walkers point of view tarmac must make for a miserable, soulless experience. Any greenway I've been on in the UK was surfaced with quarry dust/fine grit - more of the countryside under tarmac doesn't do it for me.

27-05-2020 1:05pm

Del.Monte wrote: »

From a walkers point of view tarmac must make for a miserable, soulless experience. Any greenway I've been on in the UK was surfaced with quarry dust/fine grit - more of the countryside under tarmac doesn't do it for me.

Not really. The whole point is being able to walk/cycle etc away from traffic. The added bonus of tarmac is wheelchair users, those mobility issues, parents with prams etc etc all have a much better experience and can avail of the facility.

As someone who was born with a mild mobility issue, I can tell you firsthand that tarmac is a lot easier to walk on than fine grit etc

27-05-2020 1:10pm

Galway County Council sought legal advice on Connemara greenway land access

https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/environment/county-council-sought-legal-advice-on-connemara-greenway-land-access/

Galway County Council has sought legal advice on gaining access to land for studies related to a proposed section of the Connemara Greenway a Galway senator has said.
Galway Senator Seán Kyne says that studies have been completed on 21km of the 28km stretch of the proposed Connemara Greenway between Galway City and Oughterard.

However Senator Kyne added that RPS Consultants, acting on behalf of the county council, have not been granted access to the remaining 7km worth of the section, meaning that documentation cannot be prepared for a planning application.

Rest of the article at the link

what_traffic · 27-05-2020 1:42pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Galway County Council sought legal advice on Connemara greenway land access

https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/environment/county-council-sought-legal-advice-on-connemara-greenway-land-access/

Galway Senator Seán Kyne says that studies have been completed on 21km of the 28km stretch of the proposed Connemara Greenway between Galway City and Oughterard.
However Senator Kyne added that RPS Consultants, acting on behalf of the county council, have not been granted access to the remaining 7km worth of the section, meaning that documentation cannot be prepared for a planning application.

Wonder what section/sections that is? Oughterard side or City side?
Any idea @DaCor?

27-05-2020 2:07pm

what_traffic wrote: »

Wonder what section/sections that is? Oughterard side or City side?
Any idea @DaCor?

Unfortunately, as there's no complete documents / application for this route because of this issue, it's impossible to know

no.8 · 27-05-2020 3:20pm

Deleted User wrote:

Not really. The whole point is being able to walk/cycle etc away from traffic. The added bonus of tarmac is wheelchair users, those mobility issues, parents with prams etc etc all have a much better experience and can avail of the facility.

Deleted User wrote:

As someone who was born with a mild mobility issue, I can tell you firsthand that tarmac is a lot easier to walk on than fine grit etc

I think you are both right tbh.

Like many i've used both types extensively.
It certainly doesn't feel as natural or fun on a tarmac path vs a 'natural' path (specially if you are on a mtb).
On the other hand, it's not suitable for many and thats not great either.

Best case, you have 2 types running somewhat in parallel, but that likely won't happen.

I'd be happy either way, because we are simply crying out for proper facilities (so long as the natural element on either side of it is kept in place).

Greenways [greenway map of Ireland in post 1]

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