Call for scenic Navan cycleway to be opened
A scenic cycle route and walkway, which links the Slane Road to the bottom of Flower Hill, should be opened as soon as possible, according to a Navan councillor.
Cllr Emer Tóibín has pointed out that the pathway, which is part of Navan's overall active travel scheme, appears to be completed for quite some time, but has never been fully opened.
“I have had a lot of people asking me about this route, which would be a great benefit to the town.
“This scenic riverside route is located along the north bank of the River Boyne and is accessible from the Slane Road.
“It runs from Ruxton Oaks down towards St Gabriel’s/Mill Lane at Flower Hill.
“It looks as if it is complete but it is blocked off at the Flower Hill end.
“It offers stunning views along the Boyne as far as its confluence with the River Blackwater before opening up to beautiful views of one of the most beautiful natural features in Navan.”
Cllr Tóibín said it is, without doubt, one of the town’s finest developed active travel routes.
“It still isn’t fully open and this is such a pity because it has real, practical benefits for the wider area.
“It would provide a safe, off-road active travel link into Navan town centre in under 10 minutes. It would help reduce pressure on the heavily congested Blackcastle Demesne exit onto the Slane Road and unlock a public asset that is already built, finished, and ready to use.”
She explained that the entrance to the pathway is at the rear of Ruxton Oaks and it emerges onto Flower Hill at Mill Lane/St Gabriels.
“A lot of people in the Fitzherhert and Blackcastle estates would love to see it opened.
“At a time when people are being encouraged to walk, cycle and reduce traffic, it makes no sense to leave a great piece of infrastructure sitting partially closed. Especially now as the weather shows promise and we now have the brighter days and evenings ahead of us.”
Cllr Tóibin said she had sent several emails to the council since January looking to get a timeline.
“I hope whatever the reasons holding up the full opening of this path can be resolved as soon as possible.
It is important to get timely answers and access,” she said.
Meath County Council has been approached for comment.