Cllr Hazel Smyth leads community cycle on Royal Canal Greenway

Cllr Hazel Smyth, mayor of Mullingar, is leading a community cycle tour from Mullingar on Sunday, July 24, in collaboration with the Longford-Westmeath branch of the Green Party.

The cycle, along the Royal Canal Greenway from Mullingar towards Killucan, will include guest speakers Richella Duggan, and local man Thomas Flynn, who will talk about the Mullingar Sustainable Energy Community, and there will be stops at points of interest along the route.

Joining the cycle will be Minister of State with responsibility for the circular economy, Ossian Smyth, and Limerick TD and chair of the Oireachtas Climate Committee, Brian Leddin.

The event is free and open to members of the public.

Cllr Smyth said: “I am delighted to see so many people interested in getting out on their bikes and learning about the wonderful examples of nature and sustainable living in the Mullingar area.

“This event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the history and biodiversity of the area, and experience the greenway with the local community.

“We want to celebrate and promote the opportunities for sustainable tourism that the Royal Canal Greenway offers, and give people a chance to get together and get active.

“This cycle route can be a popular destination for families and tourists, and it is important to take a look around and learn about what makes these routes so special in our communities.

“Investing in active travel and greenways have always been a priority of the Green Party, and over the past two years in government we have secured a significant increase in funding under the leadership of Minister Eamon Ryan, increasing from €45 million in 2019 to €184 million in 2021. In 2022, there has been a record level of investment of €289 million for walking and cycling infrastructure.”

Cllr Smyth has been strongly involved in bringing active travel to Westmeath since her election in 2019. In May 2021, she secured the introduction of a bike-sharing scheme for the area and Mullingar became the first regional town in Ireland to have such a scheme.

The cycle starts at 12.30pm on Sunday, July 24, from the Royal Canal Hub at Harbour Bridge, Mullingar. The cycle will be 17km each way and is family friendly!

For further details contact Hazel Smyth on 086 3588895 or email hazel.smyth@greenparty.ie.