New greenway to provide key link between west Offaly and Athlone
The project is to advance in phases commencing with Athlone to Shannonbridge 27km section
Following extensive engagement with the local authorities involved, that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has approved the further progression of the Galway to Athlone Greenway project. The proposal approved will facilitate the project to advance in phases commencing with Section 1: Athlone to Shannonbridge (27km).
Background
The progression of the Galway to Athlone Greenway has been subject to careful and thorough assessment over recent months. The significant delay since the identification of the Emerging Preferred Route in 2022 reflects the genuine complexities associated with delivering a project of this scale and ambition across our five local authority areas.
These complexities have centred on two key considerations:
- Environmental Sensitivities: The preferred route traverses areas of significant ecological importance, including European-designated sites (SACs and SPAs) and other environmentally sensitive landscapes. Ensuring that the project can be delivered in a manner that respects these environmental constraints required robust consideration.
- Route Extent and Deliverability: The full corridor extends almost 200km across five counties, involving complex land acquisition, environmental, planning and engineering challenges across varied terrain. Assessment of the route's deliverability in the context of current funding constraints and environmental risks necessitates a phased approach.
Phasing Strategy
Following a review of the complexities associated with delivery, two priority sections were identified for initial advancement: Athlone to Shannonbridge and Galway City to Kinvara. TII and the Department of Transport have now approved progression of Section 1 (Athlone to Shannonbridge) as the priority phase, to be developed as a standalone scheme in accordance with TII Project Management Guidelines.
Progression of the remaining sections will be contingent upon several factors including funding, portfolio prioritisation, and overcoming environmental constraints. We will continue to work with TII and our neighboUring counties to progress the route.
Offaly Context.
While the preferred route for Section 1 is located predominantly in Co. Westmeath west of the River Shannon it starts/ends in Shannonbridge Co. Offaly. Section 1, when delivered, will provide a key linkage between the town of Athlone and west Offaly strengthening and enhancing the collective tourism offering in the midlands while creating potential for separate extended connectivity to Clonmacnoise and beyond when linked to the broader trails and cycleway’s under development which collectively form part of the Midlands Cycling Destination Network for Offaly.