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 local councillors.
Cllr Emer Tóibín has pointed out that the pathway, which is part of Navan's overall active travel scheme, appears to have been completed for quite some time, but has never been fully opened, while Cllr Eddie Fennessy has put forward a notice of question on the pathway for the next Municipal District meeting.
Cllr Tóibín said; “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 Gabriel’s.
“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.” “I hope whatever the reasons holding up the full opening of this path can be resolved as soon as possible,” she said.
Cllr Fennessy said it was an exciting project that seeks to develop a walking and cycle path from the Slane Road, through the grounds of Blackcastle House and on to the Blackwater Park via Mill Lane.
“I am a big fan of active travel initiatives, and I have always lent my support to such projects. This trail will pass through some of the most picturesque riverside scenery we have in Navan. I expect it will be a very popular public amenity. It will benefit the people of Navan for generations.
“Works to deliver the scheme commenced five years ago with the construction by Glenveagh of paths through the grounds of the Blackcastle House.
“However, during this construction a dispute arose over access to part of the trail, and this has held up it’s opening to date.
“I haven’t had an official update on where the project is at for quite some time. However, following consultation with local residents several weeks ago I submitted a question to the April Municipal District meeting. The answer will shed light on where we are at in terms of delivery. I will update the public afterwards,” he said.
A spokesperson for Meath County Council said: “As the lands are in private ownership, and the development is being undertaken as part of a private development, the Council does not currently have a confirmed timeframe for the opening of the proposed walkway route.