Schedule of works "must be prioritised" on Moate greenway

A schedule of works must be prioritised on the greenway section in Moate town to "ensure it is well maintained year on year", a local Councillor has said.

Cllr Vinny McCormack was speaking at the monthly meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District during which he called on the executive to support the "fantastic work" being carried out by local community groups along the Old Rail Trail in Moate.

"Our executive should regularly consult with the local groups in Moate who do so much to ensure the greenway is maintained in a manner fitting for pedestrians and cyclists," Cllr McCormack said.

Cllr McCormack said representatives from local community groups in Moate had approached him regarding a number of issues which required attention and maintenance on the greenway.

"A number of issues have been brought to my attention by the Moate Railway Group and other community organisations who tend to the upkeep of the greenway in Moate. Issues such as signs pointing the wrong way, overhanging tree branches and weeds overgrowing at specific sections of the greenway," Cllr McCormack said.

The Cllr said that such sights take away from the "aesthetics" of the greenway and encouraged the executive to "engage" with local groups to "right these wrongs".

"Issues such as poor signage are easy fixes, so let's get the basics right and go from there. We must keep the greenway looking well year on year and we, as a District, have a role to play here," Cllr McCormack said.

Cllr McCormack received support from Cllr Tom Farrell who called on the executive to "do what can be done" along the greenway "straight away".

"The work our local community groups in Moate carry out along the greenway in Moate is simply fantastic and we should all work together to enhance it further going forward," Cllr Farrell said.

District Engineer, Willie Ryan, said the onus was on the voluntary community groups to bring any greenway concerns to the executive's attention.

"It is extremely helpful to the District that local community groups take on this groups and we will support them in any way we can. Without the assistance of voluntary groups, we, as a District, would be in a spot of bother and I commend them for their continued efforts," Mr Ryan said.

The District Engineer said a "starting point" for a schedule of works to be prioritised on the greenway in Moate would be for the executive to be "made aware of the jobs to be done".

"We can then meet with the local voluntary groups in Moate and, depending on the funding available, assess what needs to be done," Mr Ryan concluded.