Work commences on Boyne Greenway Project

Work has commenced on the first phase of the Boyne Greenway Project which, when complete, will see a fully segregated high quality facility for pedestrians and cyclists between the Drogheda Ramparts and Oldbridge Estate.
Through the Smarter Travel Fund, a feasibility study identified a preferred cycleway route that followed the River Boyne and towpath of the Boyne Canal, and set out a phased programme for its delivery.
In April 2012, Meath County Council was successful in seeking €500,000 in funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport through the National Cycle Network Funding Scheme.
The Council is also making a significant contribution towards the cost of the scheme from its own resources. Planning approval for the scheme was obtained in July 2013 and the construction contract for Phase 1 was awarded to Clare Civil Engineering Ltd, with a project completion date of January 2014.
The Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr John V Farrelly said: “This is the first phase of what is hoped will be a world class cycling/walking facility along the River Boyne. We see the linking of locations of interest along the River Boyne as very important in attracting more visitors to County Meath and we hope that the success of Phase 1 will build momentum for the remaining phases of the Boyne Greenway to be funded and progressed in 2014.”
The first phase will be located along/adjacent to the Oldbridge Road between the entrance to the Oldbridge Estate and Rathmullan Road at the end of the Drogheda Ramparts on the Louth/Meath border.
The existing road will be reduced to a single 3m wide lane at a number of locations with a priority shuttle system introduced to control traffic flow at these locations, giving west bound traffic priority.
As part of the scheme, the existing walkway along the Drogheda Ramparts will be resurfaced.
According to the council, where possible, the existing carriageway and verge will be utilised to provide the greenway. However, at two locations where there is insufficient width available on the existing road and verge, it is proposed to construct a boardwalk structure.
A section of the facility adjacent to the canal and Sheephouse Road junction will be provided through the use of a concrete cantilever structure.
Meath County Council intends to seek planning approval for the second phase of the Greenway between the Oldbridge Estate and the visitors centre at Brú na Bóinne in the coming months.