Where is our Greenway? That’s the question being asked by cycling groups in Drogheda and Navan who are fed up waiting for the long-promised Boyne Greenway between the two towns which is years behind schedule.
Frustrated by the delays to the project, the Drogheda Cycling Group and their counterparts in the Navan Cycling Initiative are to hold a joint cycle from Dominics Bridge to Oldbridge estate this Sunday 27th August to highlight the slow progress of the Boyne Greenway.
“In the same month that Athlone celebrated the opening of a brand-new greenway bridge over the River Shannon, Drogheda and Navan have been left waiting AGAIN for the development of the Boyne Greenway between our two towns” said the Chairperson of the Drogheda group, Noel Hogan.
“There is now a two-and-a-half-year delay to this project and we can only hope that the delaying comes to an end soon. When you consider the benefits that greenways have brought to communities all around Ireland it is simply incomprehensible that this project should be delayed again.
“When one considers the attractions along this route – Slane Castle, The megalithic tombs of the Boyne Valley, the Battle of the Boyne site – it is obvious that this greenway could be the “jewel in the crown” of Ireland’s greenway network.
“But Drogheda and Navan are left to wait while Dungarvan, Athlone and other similar sized towns reap the benefits of cycling tourism. It is past time for Meath County Council to pull out all the stops to get this greenway to fruition. The people of Navan and Drogheda deserve no less.”
Bike maintenance course
Meanwhile, the Drogheda Cycling Group has welcomed the new bicycle maintenance course launching in DIFE this September and is encouraging cyclists to consider enrolling in this course.
“As cycling continues to grow in popularity in Drogheda it is vital that people who choose to travel by bike are given the knowledge to maintain their bikes” Noel Hogan said.
“We need to empower people to choose a low cost, zero carbon alternative to car use and courses like these are vital. This course represents excellent value for money and we commend Drogheda Institute of Further Education for taking this step.
