The Dublin to Galway Greenway should be routed along the canal through Kellysgrove Bog near Ballinasloe, before continuing on to Athenry and Galway City, according to a local TD and a county councillor.
Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten and Cllr Evelyn Parsons have requested that the Greenway pass through Kellysgrove Bog – which they believe should be developed into a public park.
“Such a park, with the inclusion of the Greenway, would tie in with the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Tourism brand which is promoting the region using a number of key tourism corridors, namely the Shannon Blueway and the Beara Breffni Way,” said Deputy Naughten.
“Kellysgrove Bog is a unique site that could be the effective crossroads of the key tourism corridors proposed in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and could tell the story of the active rehabilitation of our bogs and repurposing of the economic importance cut away bogs are playing in the development of tourism in the region.”
The Independent TD said that the site has the added advantage that it is very close to an exit on the M6 motorway.
“At a meeting with Cllr Evelyn Parsons and the Ballinasloe based project team for the Dublin to Galway Greenway, we were informed that five route corridors will be published at the end of the month and this will be whittled down to one corridor by July,” added Deputy Naughten.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr. Parsons also expressed her view that the new Greenway must be routed along the canal through Kellysgrove Bog.
“The need for a public park is once again evident now we are facing into an extended period of restrictions,” said Cllr Parsons.
“With a population of 6,700 people constrained within the area of Ballinasloe this highlights the need for a facility such as a public park, particularly with the current closure of the track at Dunlo.
“I have urged Galway County Council to engage with Bord na Mona at an early stage regarding the development of a park and trails.”
