Athlone to Galway greenway could be broken into 'incremental' sections

The possibility of the long-delayed Athlone to Galway greenway project being broken up into "incremental" sections for development has been raised by local authority officials.

At the March monthly meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke asked for an update on the "current status" of the amenity.

"How far and to what point will it be developed beyond the docks in Athlone and when will this final Athlone section be completed?" asked the Fianna Fáil councillor.

The Athlone to Galway section is due to form part of a national Dublin to Galway greenway route, which is essentially complete to the east of the Shannon in Athlone but has not been developed west of the Shannon, despite years of planning and discussion.

The latest setback for the development came late last year, when a top Department of Transport official revealed that the councils involved had been asked to "reflect" on the project after "potential effects on biodiversity" were identified.

A 200km preferred route for the greenway was announced three years ago - but that route is now under review.

It was previously indicated in 2024 that the overall project could be broken up into two sections - Athlone to Portumna and Portumna to Galway - as part of a fresh effort to get it started.

In response to Cllr O'Rourke's question this month, council management in Athlone raised the possibility of the project being broken up into smaller stretches.

"A review was carried out on the Preferred Option of the Galway to Athlone greenway in 2025," stated the council's reply. "The local authorities have written to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) on the outcome of the review.

"Consideration is being given to an incremental delivery approach which will support the overall progression of the scheme, whilst also mitigating some of the risks identified in the review including environmental and funding constraints.

"Local Authorities are carrying out an assessment to prioritise delivery on this phased basis. The outcome of this assessment is expected in Q2 2026," the reply added.