Another step forward for canal greenway on Offaly border

THE arrival of Michael McGrath TD, Minister for Finance at Harbour Buildings in Kilbeggan brought very welcome news for Kilbeggan and its hinterland last Wednesday.

The formal announcement of funding and the appointment of consultants RPS Consulting Engineers to initiate the route selection process of extending grand canal greenway from Kilbeggan to Mullingar was announced.

This sets in train a process of enhancement for the local and the wider community of South Westmeath that will be both valuable amenity to enjoy and a facility inviting added tourist traffic to the area. It will be a link where geography and history rhyme to allow diverse interests to explore and interact with the rich history, architecture, archaeology, lakes, rivers and landscapes of the area serving to bring communities together in a more personal and interactive way.

The meeting was appropriately launch by local man and Cathaoirleach for Westmeath County Council, Liam McDaniels welcoming the Minister and a well-attended audience.

Speaking with the consultants, it is understood that an initial route selection process is in progress and first reports should be available before the end of this year.

This development is a major vote of confidence for the efforts of Renew Kilbeggan and the Harbour Committee over the years. No longer is the restored building and the Kilbeggan to Ballycommon Greenway standalone projects but they have become the catalyst and the inspiration for the interconnecting of two major greenways, namely the Grand Canal and the Dublin-Galway greenways. This puts Kilbeggan at a central access on this network with the attendant opportunity that this presents. One that readily comes to mind is the off road linking of the midland’s 3 major towns; Mullingar, Tullamore and Athlone.

The phrase “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” encapsulates all aspects of life. In the case of Kilbeggan-Ballycommon greenway project, it began with asking Terry McCague, the then head of forward planning of WCC, “What was the first thing we should do?”. He Suggested making a submission to his office to have Kilbeggan Grand Canal zoned as greenway area and included in the upcoming country development plan.

“This was the first phase of the journey that brought us through many stages progressing from putting together a local development plan commissioning of an ecological study and engaging with Waterways Ireland on various legal and land issues to be addressed. We also work closely with WCC and Offaly County Council to ensure a coordinated approach and finally having the project ready for planning and funding applications,” said Dan Scally, Chairman of Renew Kilbeggan and Harbour Committees.