Mid-Louth Labour local election candidate, Kate Karpenko is campaigning for a greenway to be created along the old railway line in Ardee, towards Dromin.
The old Ardee station opened in 1898 and took passengers to Dromin Junction until 1935. The freight section closed in 1975.
The tracks were lifted in 1987 and in recent years a walkway has been developed as a community facility.
Ms Karpenko says the location is ideal to enhance the existing walkway and create a new greenway for Mid-Louth and thanks to the work of local man, Dermot Maguire, the project has already got off to a good start.
“Dermot is a tireless worker for our community in Ardee. I recently met him while I was out canvassing and he showed me the beautiful Old Railway Line Walk in Ardee, which he has done a huge amount of work to enhance.
“Dermot restored the old station wall and I believe what he has started to create here, could become a greenway for Mid-Louth to be enjoyed by walkers and cyclists, locals and tourists alike.
“With all the work Dermot has done, the area is already a beautiful place to walk and with a little vision and some hard work, we can enhance this area further and turn it into the beginnings a greenway for Mid-Louth.”
Kate heads up a local Nordic Walking Group and is a passionate advocate for health and fitness as well as for the environment.
“Greenways have been embraced all over Ireland and I think it is time we had our own in Mid-Louth. I know with my involvement in Nordic Walking, there are lots of people in our community who enjoy getting out into the local environment and walking or cycling.
“Anything we can do to encourage more of that, will be of huge benefit to our community’s health and wellbeing.
“Creating a greenway here and advancing the work that Dermot has begun, will be a fitting tribute to him and his great work on behalf of our community.
“If elected to Louth County Council, I will campaign to create a Mid-Louth Greenway and I look forward to one day, taking my first Nordic Walking group along its path.”
Kate is running for Labour in the Ardee electoral area in the upcoming local elections, in June.
