March 2023

The preferred route for the Galway to Athlone Cycleway project has been identified. Four public information events to display the preferred route will be held in County Galway from March 28-31.

The highly scenic cycleway, which connects to the existing Dublin Athlone Greenway, is intended to form part of an international network of long-distance cycling trails in Europe.

Landowners, farmers, cyclists, those in the hospitality industry and the wider community are all invited to view the preferred route for the 205 km stretch.

Representatives of the project team will be on hand to answer questions about the route at each event. The public information events, open from 3pm to 8pm, will take place at the:

• Oranmore Lodge Hotel on Tuesday, March 28;
• Lady Gregory Hotel, Gort, on Wednesday, March 29;
• Portumna Town and Community Hall on Thursday, March 30 and
• Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, on Friday, March 31.

“We are seeking to continue dialogue at the public information events, and I urge everybody with an interest to attend,” said Michael Kelly, project co-ordinator with Westmeath County Council.

“The goodwill and co-operation of the farming community is important to make the cycleway a success - and includes real and open engagement with landowners and communities.

“Where feasible, the route has been amended to address issues identified in our meetings with landowners over the last two years.

“Meeting one-to-one is best for all concerned so that issues can be discussed in-depth and possible solutions identified.”

The off-road Galway-Athlone project will create an accessible cycling and walking route for local communities to enjoy 365 days a year, from Ballyloughane Beach at Galway City to Athlone Castle, Co Westmeath.

It will pass through lands adjacent to Oranmore, Rinville, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Kinvara, Gort, Woodford, Portumna, Meelick, Clonfert, Ballinasloe and Shannonbridge.

Approximately half of the route will pass through publicly-owned land and the remaining half through privately owned lands.

In the vast majority of cases where private lands are required, the route traverses around the perimeter of the land holding to avoid severance of that land.

A planning application will be lodged with An Bord Pleanála in Q3 2024, after which an oral hearing will take place.

The social and economic benefits of greenways in Ireland are becoming strikingly apparent.

The Great Western Greenway attracts over 250,000 people a year and is estimated to be worth over €30 million to the local economy, supporting 100’s of jobs along with many new and existing local businesses.

A Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways has been agreed with the main farming organisations and published by the Government.

Further information on the Galway-Athlone National Cycleway Project is available at galwaytoathlonecycleway.com.

The project team can be contacted during office hours at 091-509267 (weekdays 9am-5pm) and at: info@galwaytoathlonecycleway.com.

Last changed: Mar 24 2023 at 9:25 AM