I’ve started delivering a flyer this week to residents of Killina and Allenwood seeking their feedback on the proposed Grand Canal Greenway. I’ve had a couple of common topics come up already and I will write about them today.
Bridleways
Bridleways or horse trails are simply routes for horse riders. Anyone that walks the canals in our area will frequently meet horse riders. Sometimes sharing the bank with walkers, sometimes on the opposite banks to the towpaths. I’ve been contacted by several horse riders that are concerned that (a) the Greenway will impact existing bridleways and (b) there is no consideration or planning being given to bridleways. I have some proposals that I will be working with the horse riders to finalise before including in my submission to the council.
Footpath to Allenwood South
The town land of Allenwood South is somewhat separated from the main village by the main R403 road to Edenderry. Traffic on the road has become busier over the years. One of the primary causes has been the influx of haulage vehicles to the Drehid Waste Management Facility. It is not safe for residents of Allenwood South to walk to Allenwood Cross along this road, as it once was.
Allenwood Tidy Towns proposed a project last year to create a circular walking route from Allenwood Cross to the Skew (Shee) Bridge and along the canal bank to Derrymullen (Bond) Bridge and back by Cushalla. See http://www.allenwoodtidytowns.ie for more information on this project. The project aimed to provide a useful amenity for the entire village and also link the main village safely with Allenwood South.
The latest plans for the housing development currently being built on the Edenderry Road out of Allenwood include a footpath along the front of the estate, as far as the old Hayden’s Garage. When completed, it leaves a distance of approximately 500 metres without a path. On my report I will be advising Kildare County Council of this plan and seeking their support to complete the path and the circular walking route.
Completion of footpath to Derrymullen Bridge
Allenwood Tidy Towns have been seeking the extension of the footpath from Cushalla estate on the Newbridge Road (R415) to Derrymullen (Bond) Bridge for some time now. Even without the Greenway, local residents regularly use the canal bank and are forced to bring their children and pets on the road in order to reach the canal.
If Allenwood village is to serve as a hub for the tourists that will be using the Grand Canal Greenway then it is imperative that the village is properly linked to the Greenway by a footpath. This is also part of the aforementioned circular walking route proposed by Allenwood Tidy Towns.
There is approximately 150 metres of footpath remaining to be completed on the eastern side of the R415 to achieve this. In my report I will be advising Kildare County Council to include this pathway as part of the Greenway project.
Lowtown Marina
I regularly walk around Lowtown Marina. I see a lot of potential for a rejuvenation of the area given that it serves as a starting point for the Barrow Blueway and now a point of interest on the Grand Canal Greenway also.
Robertstown Community Amenities Association have started a project to refurbish the 52M barge, commonly known as The Eustace (See http://heritageboatassociation.ie/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83&Itemid=64).
I’ve been contacted by one local boat owner who has been involved in the work on The Eustace to date. I am trying to make contact with the relevant people in RCAA to see if maybe Allenwood Tidy Towns could assist with the project. Given the increase in tourists to Lowtown from the Blueway and the Greenway, it’s possible that the barge could be a economically sustainable attraction in the area once again.
Ticknevin
I have had some contact from residents in Ticknevin and will be meeting some of them over the next week. I have also to hand out my flyers there and I will write again when I have more feedback from this area.
