Cycle link plan for Ballinahown

The construction of a pedestrian and cycle link from Ballinahown Sports Park to Bord na Mona (BnM) lands in Ballinahown will connect with a seven-kilometre trail between Athlone and the South Westmeath village.

Westmeath County Council intends to submit a planning application for the project which will see the creation of a 1.3km link to the trail due to pass through the townlands of Derries, Carrickobrien, Bunahinly, Clonbonny, Corralena, Kilgarvan Glebe, Ballinahown Wood and Ballinahown.

Planning permission for the cycle and walkway trail on Bunahinly and Kilgarvan bogs outside Athlone was granted to BnM in December 2024.

Proposed works on the 1.3km link include the construction of a three metre wide paved pedestrian and cycleway, construction of a pedestrian and cycleway bridge, cycle parking facilities, signage map boards and public lighting where required.

Local Fine Gael Cllr John Dolan has welcomed news of the proposed development.

"The proposed link will come through the lands of one landowner and connect with the shared trail from Ballinahown to Athlone. When it is complete, users will be able to cycle into Athlone without having to travel along the main road," Cllr Dolan said.

The councillor said that work on the trail from Ballinahown to Athlone is progressing well and acknowledged that when it is completed, it will be a "major asset" for the region.

While planning and funding has yet to be secured for the proposed trail link, Cllr Dolan is hoping that the project, should it be approved for construction, will be complete "this time next year".

Plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection at https://consult.westmeathcoco.ie/en from Tuesday, May 5 up to and including June, 5.

Submissions and observations relating to the proposed development may be made at https://consult.westmeathcoco.ie/en no later than 4pm on June 19.