Greenways [greenway map of Ireland in post 1]

29-07-2020 8:05pm

riddlinrussell wrote: »

Time to get busy updating the map I suppose

That map and the required changes came to mind when I saw that list. Hope you have the free time

riddlinrussell · 29-07-2020 8:15pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

That map and the required changes came to mind when I saw that list. Hope you have the free time

I'll be honest I got altogether too excited about doing so, my wife was taking the piss out of me

Tigerandahalf · 29-07-2020 8:36pm

Fabulous to see the development potential of all these greenways. They will be a massive asset to rural Ireland. Cycling and walking tourism has huge potential going forward. Everyone will want to tick off these for at least a solo visit.

Couple of questions -

The Tarmonbarry route to Athlone - what route/way are they using there? Is it the canal spur from Cloondara to Longford and then onto Athlone? Or could they be using the Bord na Móna bog train line?

The Mayo one from Westport to Ballina - is this going to use quiet roads or what? I suppose once the Castlebar bypass is done the old road from Westport to Castlebar would be freed up but hardly of greenway status? How are they planning to go from Castlebar to Ballina?

I see they mention a route into Patrickswell as an extension of the Great Southern Trail. That opens up the possibility of a route all the way from Limerick to Tralee.

riddlinrussell · 29-07-2020 11:17pm

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Fabulous to see the development potential of all these greenways. They will be a massive asset to rural Ireland. Cycling and walking tourism has huge potential going forward. Everyone will want to tick off these for at least a solo visit.

Couple of questions -

The Tarmonbarry route to Athlone - what route/way are they using there? Is it the canal spur from Cloondara to Longford and then onto Athlone? Or could they be using the Bord na Móna bog train line?

The Mayo one from Westport to Ballina - is this going to use quiet roads or what? I suppose once the Castlebar bypass is done the old road from Westport to Castlebar would be freed up but hardly of greenway status? How are they planning to go from Castlebar to Ballina?

I see they mention a route into Patrickswell as an extension of the Great Southern Trail. That opens up the possibility of a route all the way from Limerick to Tralee.

EDIT: Apparently I totally imagined the route from Athlone to Tarmonbarry, not sure where it will go

Not 100% sure on Westport to Castlebar I had something there already, but theres already a route from Castlebar to Turlough, so I assume quiet roads from there up.

Updated 21 of the routes there, very glad to see a lot of stuff turning yellow

The one I haven't updated is the Mid Shannon Greenway in Longford. Wasnt sure where it was supposed to be until late. Now I have seen the map of it, it seems to be a network of routes from Longford, to Cloondra and Lanesborough, with connections down to the Royal Canal at several points. Map available here

Tigerandahalf · 30-07-2020 9:08am

From your link
....
ProjectDefinition:The aim of the project is to enhance the Greenway provision in County Longford. Therefore, the definition of this particular project is to develop the route and necessary consents and detailed design for an off-road greenway linking Clondra to Ballymahon in a north south axis and Lanesborough to Longford Town in an east west axis along the route of the old bog rail. The project includes the provision of a greenway link across the River Shannon into Roscommon utilising Kilnacarrow Bridge. This will involve the conversion of the existing rail bridge into a walking trail and the removal of the existing rail lines to be replaced with a suitable surface to facilitate a shared cycling/walking trail.
....
This does indeed seem to be using the old Bord na Móna rail line that ran through the bog ferrying peat to the power station I presume.
This seems to have come about pretty quickly as peat harvesting only ceased there about a year or 2 ago.

Cloondara/Clondra (one of these places that seems to have different spellings) is already linked to Ballymahon via the Royal Canal.

They are developing a nice little network of trails in the midlands. With Centre Parcs, Lough Ree and the various other smaller lakes it will make for an attractive destination.

riddlinrussell · 30-07-2020 9:11am

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

From your link
....
ProjectDefinition:The aim of the project is to enhance the Greenway provision in County Longford. Therefore, the definition of this particular project is to develop the route and necessary consents and detailed design for an off-road greenway linking Clondra to Ballymahon in a north south axis and Lanesborough to Longford Town in an east west axis along the route of the old bog rail. The project includes the provision of a greenway link across the River Shannon into Roscommon utilising Kilnacarrow Bridge. This will involve the conversion of the existing rail bridge into a walking trail and the removal of the existing rail lines to be replaced with a suitable surface to facilitate a shared cycling/walking trail.
....
This does indeed seem to be using the old Bord na Móna rail line that ran through the bog ferrying peat to the power station I presume.
This seems to have come about pretty quickly as peat harvesting only ceased there about a year or 2 ago.

Cloondara/Clondra (one of these places that seems to have different spellings) is already linked to Ballymahon via the Royal Canal.

They are developing a nice little network of trails in the midlands. With Centre Parcs, Lough Ree and the various other smaller lakes it will make for an attractive destination.

I suspected it was a bog rail network, Longford definitely seems to be trying to set up as the greenway capital of the Midlands

veryangryman · 30-07-2020 9:32am

Public Consultation flyers sent in or the Galway to Athlone sections. Some meetings being set up on same in Athlone, Ballinasloe etc for the week beginning Aug 10. No route selected yet according to the flyers.

riddlinrussell · 30-07-2020 9:46am

All the sections of the 'Mid Shannon Greenway' added to the map, note its still out of date, I will have to undertake a bit of a project in each city to add the new protected cycleways that have appeared since lockdown, help collating those would be much appreciated...

MJohnston · 30-07-2020 10:15am

2.2km of cycleways along Seapoint Avenue, DLR from Newtown Ave to York Road completed:

https://twitter.com/robertburns73/status/1288561779308670976

Grassey · 30-07-2020 11:04am

Some work planned for Kilgobbin road to Dunmartin Link road
Segregated lane(s) down the hill, across bridge/roundabout above M50, past Beacon to connect up with Sandyford Ind Estate.

I believe they have completed works this week to widen and segregate the bit along Drunmartin Link Road, where the yellow line currently ends.

Sam Russell · 30-07-2020 12:38pm

Grassey wrote: »

Some work planned for Kilgobbin road to Dunmartin Link road
Segregated lane(s) down the hill, across bridge/roundabout above M50, past Beacon to connect up with Sandyford Ind Estate.

I believe they have completed works this week to widen and segregate the bit along Drunmartin Link Road, where the yellow line currently ends.

How do cyclist get to the centre of the roundabout?

Seth Brundle · 30-07-2020 12:50pm

Sam Russell wrote: »

How do cyclist get to the centre of the roundabout?

In accordance with traditional government policy, we stop at a new stop line, dismount and then whilst pushing the bike, run like feck across the roundabout.

Grassey · 30-07-2020 1:15pm

Sam Russell wrote:

How do cyclist get to the centre of the roundabout?

Haven't looked into the details, but the crossing points are each past traffic lights on the approach roads/roundabout itself.

So presumably cyclists cross when traffic is stopped to the existing 'path' and follow around to the next lights/crossing.

Sam Russell · 30-07-2020 1:43pm

Grassey wrote: »

Haven't looked into the details, but the crossing points are each past traffic lights on the approach roads/roundabout itself.

So presumably cyclists cross when traffic is stopped to the existing 'path' and follow around to the next lights/crossing.

That sounds possible. There are only two crossings actually on the roundabout, so maybe.

Grassey · 30-07-2020 5:51pm

If you look on street view it's the most likely.
Not the best design, but probably the best that can be done cheap and quick with existing islands and layout.

Zebra3 · 31-07-2020 2:04pm

https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2020/0731/1156673-cycleway-dublin/

Piece there on the Royal canal cycleway in the city centre.

Anyone know when the part close to Intel is getting done?

Grassey · 31-07-2020 2:20pm

I think the west Clare rail greenway can be changed from potential to planned now. Yay more orange!

riddlinrussell · 31-07-2020 4:12pm

Grassey wrote: »

I think the west Clare rail greenway can be changed from potential to planned now. Yay more orange!

Which one do you mean? The latest batch of funding specifically was for Kilkee to Kilrush? I suppose I can move the whole thing to proposed though!

Grassey · 31-07-2020 5:44pm

I may have misread this, but I took it to mean that funding was for the first part of the longer route from Ennis?

The West Clare Railway Greenway project will follow the 85 kilometre route of the old West Clare railway line, where possible, connecting Ennis to Kilrush or Kilkee at a total cost of 20 million euro.

http://www.clare.fm/news/clare-county-council/e255000-funding-confirmed-west-clare-railway-greenway/

Tigerandahalf · 31-07-2020 8:36pm

I didn't see that in the initial announcement details.
There was info on one from Limerick to Scariff.

Edit: I see it now, 3rd one on the list. It does only say Kilkee to Kilrush on that.

Greaney · 31-07-2020 10:29pm

The Galway to Athlone Greenway Project Office will hold a series of public engagement events in early August 2020 to give members of the public a first opportunity to discuss the greenway design with members of the design team.

The event details are as follows;
• Shamrock Lodge Hotel Athlone - Monday 10th August
• Shearwater Hotel Ballinasloe - Tuesday 11th August
• Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry – Wednesday 12th August
• Loughrea Hotel - Thursday 13th August
• Maldron Hotel, Oranmore - Friday 14th August.

All of the events will take place from 11am - 8pm on each day, offering ample opportunity for the public to participate.

mr spuckler · 01-08-2020 3:11pm

Having been down in Athlone twice in last 3 weeks or so I'm disappointed not to be down to attend this consultation next week. Will be really interested to hear feedback if anyone attends.

Carawaystick · 02-08-2020 12:51am

Zebra3 wrote: »

Anyone know when the part close to Intel is getting done?

The bit from Intel (the level crossing) to Confey was grand a year ago then Waterways made it not-grand, leaving it full of big chippings and a dog rough surface.
Theres a big issue with the connections along the canals *just* outside Dublin being sh1te for cycling.

It's hard to believe at this point that that is just a coincidence..... and not bad faith from WWI

03-08-2020 6:04pm

@riddlinrussel I think you can change this one to green - Lough Key to Boyle

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1HAHB3jpXV7qgrTHgopH4Zl7-ItDHGEPv&ll=53.96044525081626%2C-8.246478302662002&z=12

Grassey · 04-08-2020 7:59am

Good to see some services development happening too in tandem with route development. With the ringroad to open shortly Sallins should become a bit more enjoyable to stop off in.

They have also closed the road to cars on the canal between sallins and Naas every Sunday for the next 10 weeks. Looks to have been a load out this weekend, hopefully it evolves into a fulltime green/quiet way

Development of a “cycle cafe” / bike stop along Grand canal greenway

Delighted to confirm that Sallins will receive a grant of €25,000 under the July stimulus package towards the development of a “cycle cafe” / bike stop along the canal in village. Building on the greenway funding, this is another vote of confidence in the project and the area. Having seen the success of such ventures on the wild Atlantic way and knowing the great businesses and amenities we have in the village which can integrate with this, I am really excited about this project moving forward.

serfboard · 04-08-2020 2:01pm

Grassey wrote: »

They have also closed the road to cars on the canal between sallins and Naas every Sunday for the next 10 weeks. Looks to have been a load out this weekend, hopefully it evolves into a fulltime green/quiet way

I just "drove" that section there on Google StreetView. There's no reason that section of road shouldn't be closed off to cars completely. There are a couple of houses which need access, but that could be easily provided by alternative routes.

Grassey · 04-08-2020 2:13pm

Barrier at Abbey Bridge to block cars heading North on the East side, and one at Tandy's on the West side [and one more to the south of the Mills] would preserve local access only quite nicely.

Grassey · 04-08-2020 6:05pm

Spotted this earlier

THE ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY - UPDATE

The Royal Canal runs from Dublin to Longford with a total distance of 146 kilometres. The Royal Canal Greenway will be a dedicated off-road cycling and walking route along the Royal Canal including paving, landscaping, art works and a viewing plaza of the Canal. CCTV and lighting will also be installed along the route.

DUBLIN CITY SECTION OF GREENWAY:

The Dublin city section of the greenway will provide a high quality walking and cycling route of over 7km from the Samuel Beckett Bridge and Guild Street in the Docklands, through North Strand, Drumcondra and Phibsborough and out to Ashtown.

CURRENT STATUS:

Phase 1: Guild Street to Upper Sheriff Street (0.5 Km) – Completed in 2009.

Phase 2: Upper Sheriff Street to North Strand (0.7km) – Completed July 2020

Phase 3: North Strand to Phibsborough, (2.1km) – Detailed design phase. It is expected that construction will begin at the end of Quarter 4 in 2020 and it will take approximately two years to complete.

Phase 4: Cross Guns Bridge, Phibsborough to Longford Bridge, Ashtown (4.3Km) - This project has 4 sub-phases.

Phase 4A involves the introduction of a contra-flow bus and cycle lane over Broome Bridge in Cabra - It is currently in construction and it will be completed by October 2020.

Phase 4B involves main towpath upgrade - It is anticipated that construction will commence in Quarter 4 of 2020, with likely completion in Quarter 4
of 2021. Dredging of the canal will be required for some sections.

Phase 4C involves remainder of towpath upgrade, including 7th Lock/Liffey Junction railway underpass upgrade
AND
Phase 4D (Tolka Valley Park –
Phoenix Park greenway link via Ashtown) are currently in the design stage - A
timeline for the completion of 4C and 4D sub-phases is not possible at present. However, it is hoped that all of Phase 4 of the Royal Canal Greenway will be completed by the end of 2023.

Cllr. Colm O’Rourke
colm.orourke@dublincity.ie

04-08-2020 6:35pm

Grassey wrote: »

Phase 3: North Strand to Phibsborough, (2.1km) – Detailed design phase. It is expected that construction will begin at the end of Quarter 4 in 2020 and it will take approximately two years to complete.

What explains why it will take 2 years to build 2.1km of a greenway?

Grassey · 04-08-2020 6:47pm

Deleted User wrote: »

What explains why it will take 2 years to build 2.1km of a greenway?

Not sure, a quick google just throws up 2 ramps and several protected structures.

PHASE 3: NORTH STRAND ROAD, DUBLIN 1 TO PHIBSBOROUGH ROAD, DUBLIN 7.
The proposed works shall comprise the construction of c.2.1km cycle and pedestrian route from North Strand Road (Newcomen Bridge – Protected Structure) to Phibsborough Road. The route shall traverse past Clarke’s Bridge and Binns Bridge, both Protected Structures.

Toucan (pedestrian and cycle) crossings shall be provided at the following locations:

North Strand Street / Newcomen Bridge; Summerhill Parade / Clarke’s Bridge; Russell Street / Russell Street Bridge; Drumcondra Road Lower / Binn’s Bridge; Phibsborough Road / Cross Guns Bridge. Two new pedestrian/cycle bridges and associated ramps are proposed to facilitate the route at Croke Park south east of Russell Street and at the 3rd Royal Canal Lock.

04-08-2020 7:28pm

Ah, its probably the 2 new bridges.

Bridges always be slowing things down!

spacetweek · 06-08-2020 9:55pm

I've given up being annoyed at how long that cycle path is taking to build. Over a decade in planning at this stage.

Thelonious Monk · 07-08-2020 12:14pm

I can see the one in North Strand getting a bit ropey at some stage. Already gangs of locals hanging out there, with horse and trap, and sh*te all over the greenway. It may not be the most pleasant place when the shorter days come along, but at least it's lit up and there appear to be cameras too.

MarkY91 · 07-08-2020 2:32pm

Thelonious Monk wrote: »

I can see the one in North Strand getting a bit ropey at some stage. Already gangs of locals hanging out there, with horse and trap, and sh*te all over the greenway. It may not be the most pleasant place when the shorter days come along, but at least it's lit up and there appear to be cameras too.

I walked it the day after opening. It was really crowded and no scruff bags about but I can definitely see it being taken over by the local teenagers. It's only a matter of time until someone will be mugged along that stretch.

marno21 · 07-08-2020 3:43pm

Contract awarded for the lifting of rails and sleepers on the Waterford-New Ross line, plus construction of 2 bridges

https://irl.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/163614/0/1?returnUrl=ctm/Supplier/PublicTenders&b=ETENDERS_SIMPLE

Grassey · 07-08-2020 7:13pm

MJohnston wrote:

2.2km of cycleways along Seapoint Avenue, DLR from Newtown Ave to York Road completed:

And now to start on Carysfort Ave to be finished by end of month.

https://www.dlrcoco.ie/en/transportation-infrastructure/carysfort-avenue-mobility-interventions

And Newtown Park ave
https://www.dlrcoco.ie/en/news/general-news/installation-protected-cycle-lane-newtownpark-avenue

Thelonious Monk · 07-08-2020 9:22pm

MarkY91 wrote: »

I walked it the day after opening. It was really crowded and no scruff bags about but I can definitely see it being taken over by the local teenagers. It's only a matter of time until someone will be mugged along that stretch.

I got sent a video on whatsapp this evening of about 50 little scumbags in a mass brawl at the Luke Kelly statue, the entrance to the greenway, lol.
Apparently it was Pearse St V Sheriffer.

Grassey · 08-08-2020 9:14am

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/cars-to-give-way-for-sandymount-cycle-path-1.4324957?mode=amp

A one-way car ban is to be implemented on Strand Road, the scenic coast road in Sandymount, to accommodate a two-way cycle track along Dublin Bay.

MarkY91 · 09-08-2020 12:20am

Thelonious Monk wrote: »

I got sent a video on whatsapp this evening of about 50 little scumbags in a mass brawl at the Luke Kelly statue, the entrance to the greenway, lol.
Apparently it was Pearse St V Sheriffer.

Must be the video I seen on Tiktok (since been taken down). Imagine being stuck on the Greenway with that happening.

10-08-2020 11:55am

https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/mallon-announces-opening-new-walking-and-cycling-path-blaris-lisburn

A new walking and cycling path, to be known as the ‘Blaris Greenway’, has been officially opened by Minister Nichola Mallon.

The new 1.4 kilometre traffic-free path links Blaris Road to Sprucefield Retail Park and Sprucefield Park & Ride. It will provide a direct link to enable people to walk or cycle on to Union Locks, Lisburn and the Lagan Towpath.

The Blaris Greenway, links both Sprucefield Retail Park and the Sprucefield Park & Ride to Lisburn and onwards to Belfast City Centre via Union Locks and the Lagan Towpath to give 20 kilometres of virtually traffic free walking and cycling.

riddlinrussell · 10-08-2020 2:29pm

Deleted User wrote: »

https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/mallon-announces-opening-new-walking-and-cycling-path-blaris-lisburn

A new walking and cycling path, to be known as the ‘Blaris Greenway’, has been officially opened by Minister Nichola Mallon.

The new 1.4 kilometre traffic-free path links Blaris Road to Sprucefield Retail Park and Sprucefield Park & Ride. It will provide a direct link to enable people to walk or cycle on to Union Locks, Lisburn and the Lagan Towpath.

The Blaris Greenway, links both Sprucefield Retail Park and the Sprucefield Park & Ride to Lisburn and onwards to Belfast City Centre via Union Locks and the Lagan Towpath to give 20 kilometres of virtually traffic free walking and cycling.

This ties in to a potential route across to Moira, where it could rejoin what remains of the Lagan Navigation. Its a real shame that its vanishingly unlikely we will ever see canal linking Belfast to Dublin again...

Harry Palmr · 13-08-2020 1:35pm

https://twitter.com/damiengeoghegan/status/1293879744057008129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1293879744057008129%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.twitter.com%2F%3Fquery%3Dhttps3A2F2Ftwitter.com2Fdamiengeoghegan2Fstatus2F1293879744057008129widget%3DTweet

Lefty2Guns · 17-08-2020 3:17pm

Was down in Dungarvan last week and cycled some of the Greenway. Was excellent apart from the weather.

As a keen hobby cyclist I was happy to continue as far along as I could, only problem was I was with my partner and another couple that wouldnt generally cycle, plus I was on a rented bike. I'll be bringing my own bike next time.

Thelonious Monk · 17-08-2020 10:41pm

Thelonious Monk wrote: »

I can see the one in North Strand getting a bit ropey at some stage. Already gangs of locals hanging out there, with horse and trap, and sh*te all over the greenway. It may not be the most pleasant place when the shorter days come along, but at least it's lit up and there appear to be cameras too.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/concerns-surface-over-intimidation-on-new-royal-canal-cycle-path-1.4331573

Hardly open a wet week and the local scumbags are ruining it for everyone already. Imagine what it'll be like when dark evenings kick in. I think many of us will stick to the old roads.

no.8 · 18-08-2020 9:24am

Thelonious Monk wrote:

Hardly open a wet week and the local scumbags are ruining it for everyone already. Imagine what it'll be like when dark evenings kick in. I think many of us will stick to the old roads.

What an awful shame that would be. Once again the work-shy, simple vermin are ruining or attempting to ruin vital infrastructure in our towns and cities.

A lot has been highlighted about the scrote culture this week. The authorities and judicial systems absolutely need to get tough on them, for the sake of society as a whole

Thelonious Monk · 18-08-2020 9:34am

no.8 wrote: »

What an awful shame that would be. Once again the work-shy, simple vermin are ruining or attempting to ruin vital infrastructure in our towns and cities.

A lot has been highlighted about the scrote culture this week. The authorities and judicial systems absolutely need to get tough on them, for the sake of society as a whole

That area in particular where the greenway passes through is rough af. People will be attacked trying to get to and from work. The gangs of kids seem to be getting bigger around there, my last gfs place looked onto Sheriff st and some of the stuff we'd see from the balcony...
There's already been scramblers and horses and kids blocking the path on decent citizens. Unless there are garda there full time this will probably just become a no go area, although the morning commute should be fine.

MJohnston · 18-08-2020 9:50am

The kids (by the by, they are 100% kids, so the "work-shy" label used above is...weird) are attacking the houses on Sheriff Street with stones. And the Sheriff Street residents were the ones saying they didn't want permeability here.

So it's relatively unlikely these kids are from Sheriff Street, more likely they're coming down from the flats on North Strand.

I recommend reading this Irish Times story on the problem to understand more of the nuance:
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/concerns-surface-over-intimidation-on-new-royal-canal-cycle-path-1.4331573

Thelonious Monk · 18-08-2020 10:50am

MJohnston wrote: »

The kids (by the by, they are 100% kids, so the "work-shy" label used above is...weird) are attacking the houses on Sheriff Street with stones. And the Sheriff Street residents were the ones saying they didn't want permeability here.

So it's relatively unlikely these kids are from Sheriff Street, more likely they're coming down from the flats on North Strand.

I recommend reading this Irish Times story on the problem to understand more of the nuance:
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/concerns-surface-over-intimidation-on-new-royal-canal-cycle-path-1.4331573

In fairness although they're kids, I'm pretty sure they're already work shy. I read the times article, but no doubt the kids from the estate they're throwing stones at will be up to no good on the greenway too. The whole area is the dregs.

magicbastarder · 18-08-2020 10:57am

this is something i've been worried about in relation to the proposed stretch between castleknock and coolmine railway stations - if it's built on the castleknock side of the canal (as many local residents want), it will result in a 2km stretch without any entry/exit points - the greenway will be 'trapped' between the railway line and the canal.
so if you did meet someone you wanted to avoid, and you're already three quarters of the way along the section, you'd have to backtrack one and a half kilometres.

Brock Turnpike · 18-08-2020 2:57pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

this is something i've been worried about in relation to the proposed stretch between castleknock and coolmine railway stations - if it's built on the castleknock side of the canal (as many local residents want), it will result in a 2km stretch without any entry/exit points - the greenway will be 'trapped' between the railway line and the canal.
so if you did meet someone you wanted to avoid, and you're already three quarters of the way along the section, you'd have to backtrack one and a half kilometres.

I'd be far less worried about that than the North Strand section.

Greenways [greenway map of Ireland in post 1]

Comments