Cyclists are excited as Boyne Greenway Consultation resumes
Good news is finally rolling in for cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers as Meath County Council announced the resumption of Boyne Greenway Consultation on the long-awaited Oldbridge-Navan. After a slight hiccup that led to a two-and-a-half-year delay, the wheels are in motion again for a project that promises to transform the landscape and revive the historical Boyne Navigation.
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Meath County Council has been hard at work crafting a plan for the Boyne Greenway and Navigation Restoration, a visionary project that aims to create a top-tier walking and cycling route while restoring the Boyne Navigation, including its canal sections and iconic locks—a vital piece of industrial heritage in the Boyne Valley.
Stretching 26.5km from the scenic Andy Brennan Park in Navan Town to the grand main gates at Oldbridge House, with a connecting route to Drogheda, this proposed section of the greenway is set to be a gem in Ireland’s collection of greenway routes. Bicyclists and pedestrians will enjoy seeing sights like Slane Castle, the site of the ancient Battle of Boyne, and the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage site along the route.
Cyclists are excited at the resumption of Boyne Greenway Consultation
The Navan Cycling Initiative, led by Ed Moynihan, is applauding the progress. Moynihan expresses delight at seeing the project move forward after a substantial wait and emphasises the route’s potential to become one of the country’s premier greenways. “There is a massive demand to see this happen,” he notes, highlighting the eagerness of the community to witness the fruition of years of advocacy.
Environmental stewardship also plays a role in this development, with An Taisce, an environmental group overseeing lands along the route, welcoming the Boyne Greenway. They express joy in allowing the greenway to pass through lands held in trust for Ireland, emphasizing the project’s contribution to encouraging people to connect with nature.
While the delay in the project has been attributed to the transition of the approving authority from the Department of Transport to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Meath County Council assures the public that the wait has been worthwhile. A flood modelling exercise and a subsequent Flood Modelling Interpretative Report in May 2023 were integral parts of the review process, ensuring the project’s resilience against potential challenges.
Now, with the non-statutory Boyne Greenway Consultation on the Emerging Preferred Route open until January 29, 2024, locals and enthusiasts alike have the chance to voice their opinions and shape the final trajectory of this transformative greenway. For details and to contribute, visit consult.meath.ie, and let’s collectively pedal towards a greener, more connected future.
