Lough Key Greenway will be ‘fantastic facility’ for north of county

An update was given on the planned Lough Key Greenway at a recent meeting of the council, with councillors approving a Section 85 Agreement between Roscommon and Leitrim County Councils.

It will see Roscommon County Council take the lead on the project in terms of design, planning and construction.

Director of Services Mark Keaveney said TII has provided funding for the development, which may include a spur into Boyle too.

Cathaoirleach Liam Callaghan welcomed the update, saying the greenway will be a major asset to the locality and the county.

“I hope that the project will get moving quite quickly,” he said.

Proposing that the measure be agreed, Cllr Sean Moylan said he supported it “wholeheartedly”.

“This will be a fantastic facility to have in the north of the county,” the Fianna Fáil councillor said. “It will tie the Shannon River to Lough Key. It will be fantastic for Boyle, Cootehall, Lough Key, for all across that area.” Independent councillor Tom Crosby also welcomed the proposal, and asked that the greenway be connected to other projects, such as the one planned for Roosky-Tarmonbarry “Activity holidays are by far the fastest growing holidays in the world,” he said.

Cllr Leah Cull said there were so many positives from the development, and she highlighted the benefits of extending the greenway in the future to Keadue, Arigna, and Ballyfarnon.

“There are very early talks of a blueway from Drumshanbo to Arigna along Lough Allen,” said the Sinn Féin councillor.

Cllr Laurence Fallon welcomed the development, saying that there were a number of routes planned in the county.

“A lot of work has been done on the Athlone to Ballyleague Greenway but I have to say it has created a lot of concern among local people,” said the Independent councillor.

He said that these projects required a lot of consultation and engagement with communities, and he cautioned planners about dividing farmland. “I think a little more discussion is needed to ensure that we get a smooth outcome,” he said.

Fianna Fáil councillor John Keogh agreed that communication and connectivity were critical in greenway projects.

Mr Keaveney said that there was an overall plan to connect the county's greenways eventually.

“We are working on a greenway to connect to the Dublin-Galway Greenway,” he said and that the current projects included routes from Athlone to Ballyleague, and from Ballyleague to Tarmonbarry, “It is envisaged that they will connect with the greenway from Lough Key,” he added. The National Famine Way was also highlighted as were the Beara Breifne Way and the Táin Way, which is being reimagined at the moment.

Cllr Crosby also highlighted the possibility of connecting Tarmonbarry to the Royal Canal Greenway, saying it was only a kilometre away.

Council chief Executive Shane Tiernan said he recently met with the CEO of Waterways Ireland where he raised a number of projects, including the possible walkway from Tarmonbarry to Cloondara along the old weir.

“He gave me assurances that he was supportive of the council and was looking to see if we can partner, particularly on the funding side,” Mr Tiernan said.