Municipal district to progress plan for Belvedere greenway

A feasibility study into the practicalities of developing a walking and cycling link from Mullingar to Belvedere and Lough Ennell has been carried out, the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad has confirmed.

The information was given at the April meeting in response to a query raised by Cllr Emily Wallace, who asked for an update on funding or proposed works to install a route.

The response stated that the district will investigate a potential funding source to progress the project, but added that it should also be noted that the Kilbeggan to Mullingar greenway covers that area, and a preferred corridor is due shortly, meaning it would be wise to await that decision to guide the investment. Cllr Wallace said she had previously been informed, in 2019, that a route selection and detailed design were complete, but the application for a grant had been unsuccessful.

She felt the project was important given the benefits of walking, and also the economic benefit such an amenity would bring to Mullingar.

“It’s a no-brainer in relation to how we can get more people in and open up both our town and our local heritage sites,” she said.

Given that there was a feasibility study done and a funding application lodged in 2019, she wondered if the district was “just going around in circles and missing an opportunity”.

The mayor, Cllr Ken Glynn, supported Cllr Wallace: “The feasibility study is as a result of yourself, myself and Cllr Andrew Duncan all raising this issue,” he stated.

Responding, district engineer Pat Kavanagh confirmed that a feasibility study had been done, and environmental screening and appropriate assessment screening and “we have developed the route. We’ve costed it up and we have a cross-section of details of how we construct it”.

The next phase, he said, would be talks with the landowners and state agencies involved and go through the Part 8 process. He cautioned the estimated cost was some €1m, and a funding source would have to be found.

Mr Kavanagh and director of services Deirdre Reilly indicated that they would try to begin progressing the project in September.