Donal Hickey: Funding for greenways, walking trails, and beach access — at Ballybunion, Valentia, Macroom and more locations
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As work on developing new cycleways and walkways continues apace, the Government has just provided a further €2.3m for such developments.
There can be difficulties, however, and providing more public access to areas of high value to nature and wildlife can sometimes do more harm than good.
Following objections, An Bord Pleanála has, for instance, refused planning permission for a new section of the Boyne Greenway, County Meath, to safeguard sites for threatened bird species.
BirdWatch Ireland objected to the proposed walkway/cycleway from Drogheda to Mornington village which is in an area containing three protected sites, including a special area of conservation.
It argued that a 2.4km boardwalk, due to be built inside the protected areas, could adversely affect these sites. There were also concerns sand dunes could be damaged by the section which would be used by more than 200,000 new walkers, cyclists, and dogs.
While supporting greenways, BirdWatch said they should not come at a cost to wildlife, or the environment, adding it had strong concerns about the threat of human disturbance and potential displacement this could cause to water birds in the Meath area.
“Migratory birds need access to safe roosting and feeding sites in order to rest and feed while overwintering in Ireland. However, disturbance from pedestrians, cyclists, and dogs can cause birds to leave, or completely avoid certain sites."
Meanwhile, 50 projects, which are in the early stages of development, are to receive grants totalling €2.3m to get further work done for the benefit of communities countryside.
As might be expected, walks, trails, cycleways and activities on rivers, lakes, and beaches all feature.
Making the announcement, Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys said each project is to receive funding of up to €50,000 to bring them to shovel-ready stage and they will then be in a position to apply for further money under other state schemes.
One of the projects to catch the eye is the creation of Ireland’s first underwater artificial reef at Killala Bay, in Mayo.
In Macroom, County Cork, there are plans for a pedestrian bridge to link the northern side of the River Sullane with the southern section of the town park, while there’s also an application for an extension of the Capel View cliff walk, in east Cork.
In the Kerry listings are plans to improve pedestrian access to Ballybunion Beach and to develop a greenway on Valentia Island. In Waterford, there are proposals for further recreational facilities in the Comeragh Mountains and outdoor facilities at Ballyduff Upper, Tallow, and Lismore, in the Blackwater Valley.
Meanwhile, construction of the controversial Kerry greenway from Glenbeigh to Caherciveen is progressing.
A full list of the projects getting funding is here.