Ballinasloe information event next week on Athlone-Galway cycleway route

An information event on the preferred route which has been chosen for the Athlone to Galway cycleway will take place in Ballinasloe's Shearwater Hotel on Friday next, March 31.

Earlier this week it was announced that the preferred route for the cycleway had been chosen, and maps showing the specifics of the route are due to go on display on the project's website from Monday next, March 27.

The Galway to Athlone cycleway team said the preferred route, from west to east, starts near Ballyloughane Beach to the east of Galway City and then proceeds close to or through the following areas: Oranmore, Rinville, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Kinvara, Gort, Woodford, Portumna, Meelick, Clonfert, Ballinasloe, Shannonbridge, and Athlone Castle.

"It links places of interest, established tourism centres, public parks, and outdoor amenities," said the project planners.

A total of four public consultation events on the preferred route will take place next week and the last of these will be at the Shearwater Hotel on Friday next. Events will also be held in Oranmore (Tuesday), Gort (Wednesday) and Portumna (Thursday).

Each of the events will last from 3pm to 8pm.

The route selection process has been contentious, particularly in parts of East Galway, and the project team stated that "where feasible, the route has been amended following discussions with landowners and others to address identified issues".

A planning application for the project is due to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála next year.