Mullingar to Athlone Greenway opening date set

— Route signage “will set a template for other greenways in the country” 

Mullingar and Athlone are to be linked with a greenway in 10 days time when the route is opened officially.

The walking and cycling between the two large towns is due to be opened by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny on October 18.

This was confirmed by transport minister Paschal Donohoe when he was answering a parliamentary question on the lack of signage for greenways in the midlands.

Minister Donohoe said: “​I understand that the Mullingar to Athlone Greenway which is due to be officially opened by An Taoiseach, on October 18th, will have signage on the route in place on opening. As the signage to be used will set a template for other greenways in the country, it is important that we have signage in place that will work in a myriad of different locations whilst also avoiding visual clutter. This is taking somewhat longer than expected, but I understand that there will be further signs directing people to the route during November. I am delighted to see this opening and I understand that many local people are already using the route even before it is officially open. It will show the benefits of a greenway to the local community and get more people out on their bikes, walking and being active and providing a focal point for communities along the route.”

He was responding to a question from TD Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail), who asked for “…the reason there are no midlands greenway signs erected to date, given that there are 2,500 signs erected for the Wild Atlantic Way.”


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6 comments

  1. I am interested in attending the official opening and cycling from Mullingar to Athlone on the day. Amy idea of details, timings, location for the opening?

    Reply
  2. They don’t want to put up signs to keep the Westmeath greenway network secret.They want to keep this fantastic amenity all to themselves as they have gotten precious little else from FG ;-). In reality they are working on completing the greenway at a rapid pace. I was on it about 2 weeks ago and the station at Moate was a derelict manky eyesore a week later it was looking spic and span. If I had not been on the greenway on both occasions I would not have appreciated the speed the they are working at. Really looking forward to having a spin without works going on, even though the chaps working were very polite and obliging to people constantly walking and cycling through their workplace. There seems to be a very popular coffee shop in the Arts centre in Moate if you need refreshment on the way.Some pics on my FB page.

    Reply
  3. In attempt to travel form Dublin and cycle from Mullingar to Athlone I found it impossible to book 2 bicycles on Irish Rail from Dublin to Mullingar as they have no facility on some trains and on the other trains they only facilitate two bicycles. Irish Rail may need to be brought into the loop if more cyclists want access to cycle paths.

    Reply
  4. On the News today , Monday 19th October a spokesman stated that cycles cannot be brought onto trains now . I must admit it was a small bit unfair that a cycle should be allowed to take over the area of 1 passeneger at least and particularly at rush hours , They should supply some sort of carraige , but of course money is the problem there . I dont really know what the solution is .. Sorry . And thanks

    Reply

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