Breathing new life into Ratoath River Walk... Council secure funding for major upgrade on banks of the Broadmeadow

Work on a major upgrade to the Ratoath River Walk will begin this summer and is expected to create a much needed and attractive amenity for the village.

Meath County Council has secured funding to undertake a significant redevelopment and upgrade of the walkway along the banks of the Broadmeadow, which has in the past been a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

The plans were outlined at a recent meeting of local groups such as resident's associations, Tidy Towns and the Men’s Shed. Great support was expressed at the meeting for the project, which is expected to make the area more accessible and prevent anti-social behaviour.

“This will make the river walk more accessible to everyone which will help prevent anti-social behaviour,” said Brendan Newe of Meadowbank Residents Association.

The work will include key infrastructural improvements including the full restoration of the existing walkway surface to a three metre wide shared cycling and pedestrian way.

A new walkway will be constructed through the green area situated south of the Village Green estate. There will be comprehensive upgrades to existing public lighting systems and the provision of new lighting where applicable.

The project is currently at design and tender documentation stage and to facilitate construction work, vegetation and undergrowth clearance is currently taking place along with the removal of selected dead and overhanging trees. Meath County Council said the removal of trees will be kept to a minimum.

Cllr Nick Killian said the plans were presented at a recent meeting attended by local residents associations, Ratoath Tidy Towns and Ratoath Men's Shed.

“It was a very positive meeting and Meath County Council is taking on board the Tidy Town's biodiversity proposals for the area.

“They will also develop a walkway along the back of the nursing home and Village Green estate.

“The plans were very well received. For years the area had a bad name for anti social behaviour but now is the time to do something positive and create an amenity that all of Ratoath can use.”

He explained that hedging is currently being cleared away and work on the main project is expected to begin this summer.

Brendan Newe described he proposals as “Spot on”

“Anything that enhances the area in terms of amenity for everybody is great.

“This will be good for everybody. There had been concerns about anti-social behaviour but you cannot decide to not do something because of anti-social behaviour.

“This will make the river walk more accessible to everyone which will help prevent anti social behaviour. It is a nice walkway but a lot of people hadn't been using it, because it hasn't felt safe.”

Mr Newe said that a lot of people in his estate had been concerned at proposals to have steps leading from the estate to the walk but this is no longer part of the plan.

“There were about 40 people at the recent meeting and they all left happy. People are feeling very positive,” he said.

Mr Newe paid tribute to the Tidy Towns Committee for the fantastic work they have done.

“They have a wonderful biodiversity project on the River Walk and further afield,” he said.

Ratoath Tidy Towns has spent many years working to enhance the Broadmeadow Riverwalk. They have planted many native trees, organised weekly litter picks, yearly clean-up days, painted the shed, removed graffiti from bins and have installed many tree signs in conjunction with the Ratoath Men’s Shed.

They have also organised Water Heritage Days inviting the public along to join in the celebrations, which include clean ups, educational talks and kid friendly fun.

Mary Quigley of Ratoath Tidy Towns said that plans were fantastic and it was a brilliant opportunity for Ratoath.

“This will do an awful lot to enhance outdoor facilities in Ratoath. It is will be an undisturbed tranquil, peaceful area.

“It is very welcome, there is a shortage of outdoor amenities in Ratoath.”

She said the Tidy Towns group have a biodiversity project and Cllr Killian had drawn the councils attention to it. “Hopefully it will be incorporated into the scheme,” she said.