Extension of greenway to Banagher being assessed
Offaly County Council is seeking to assess the possibility of extending the greenway from Shannon Harbour to Banagher.
The council recently invited tenders from engineering consultancy services to assess the feasibility and viability of the proposal.
The council said construction of the proposed link would allow for the greenway to terminate in an urban setting and improve connections to the Grand Canal Greenway and national cycle network.
Consultants will be asked to investigate if lands associated with the disused Clara to Banagher railway line can be included in the feasibility study.
The council has outlined a study area, and said the cycling infrastructure should improve access and permeability to the study area while promoting a shift away from carbon-emitting vehicles.
In collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Offaly County Council said it aims to adhere to the ‘National Sustainable Mobility Policy’, a vision which focuses on 'connecting people and places with sustainable mobility that is safe, green, accessible and efficient.’
The tender documentation states the link between Shannon Harbour to Banagher town delivers on such safe and green mobility goals with an emphasis on the “expansion of sustainable mobility in regional and rural areas”.
Citing the potential benefits of the proposed greenway, the documentation said it will “promote sustainable communities and provide community-based transport options and 'continue to provide a platform for a modal shift away from car use towards cycling and walking”.
The proposed greenway will “enhance tourism potential both locally and regionally, create safe route options between urban/rural centres along the route” and “assist in promoting healthier living and increased wellbeing for demographics within our communities”. Further positives are the promotion of public realm improvements' and the “provision of a platform for the creation of local indigenous small businesses and the associated regeneration effects on rural communities within Offaly”.
The duration of the contract is two months, and the successful tenderer will be confirmed on November 11.