Shannon Harbour to Banagher greenway plan moving ahead
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Planning for a proposed greenway extension from Shannon Harbour to Banagher looks set to move ahead, with Offaly County Council currently advertising for engineering consultants to assess the feasibility and viability of extending the Grand Canal Greenway to cover the new route.
Engineering firms are being invited to tender for the consultancy contract, which has an estimated value of €50,000.
The council said the two-month contract will involve examining options for creating the new walking and cycling link between Shannon Harbour and Banagher.
The study will investigate the potential use of lands associated with the disused Clara-to-Banagher railway line, alongside other lands within the defined study area.
The proposed link is intended to "improve access and permeability between communities" while encouraging "a shift from private cars towards walking and cycling".
The successful consultant will undertake the project’s early-stage development in accordance with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) project management requirements, progressing the scheme through an initial 'strategic assessment' phase and on to the 'concept and feasibility' stage.
This will include examining the project’s strategic case, constraints, risks and opportunities, as well as its technical and environmental feasibility.
The assessment will take account of environmental and ecological considerations, including flood-risk information, protected habitats and designated areas such as Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs).
Relevant TII and National Transport Authority cycleway design guidance will also inform the work.
A first round of public consultation will form part of the process, providing an opportunity to present the project information and findings to the public and stakeholders.
The deadline for tenders applications for the project to be submitted to Offaly County Council is Tuesday, September 15, at 4pm.