Cllr wants us to take a walk on the Boyne side

A WALKWAY along the riverbank from Poolboy Bridge to Kilcarn Bridge in Navan would be a wonderful amenity for the people of Navan and a great tourist attraction, according to the Mayor Navan, Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons.

"Navan has its back to the river, but we should open it up so it becomes an attractive amenity," he said.

"A walkway will open up views of the rivers Blackwater and Boyne, enabling the community to walk, run or cycle in safety whilst enhancing the river areas.

"There is a lot of government funding out there at the moment for this kind of amenity and we should make the most of it," he said.

Meath County Council has received an allocation this year from the NTA, to look at introducing segregated cycle tracks along the Inner Relief Road (R147) between St Martha's Bridge and Circular Road and options, including a wide two way cycle track along the river side of the R147 is being considered.

However, Cllr Fitzsimons believes that a walkway inside the current railings would be much more advantageous.

"It would open up the river to the town. The river is our biggest asset. Someone coming into Navan at Kilcarn would see the river and the walkway and would be tempted to stop.

"If the trees and bushes were removed there would be a lovely view of the river and we could have a walkway along the riverside like in St Dominic's Park in Drogheda.

"It would be the first thing they would see as they came into the town, "They'd see the river and it would be a great attraction.

"It would also be a great amenity for local people to enjoy a safe walkway and enjoy and the beauty of the river.

"It would take people further away from the road, so it would be safe from traffic and if it is open and visible from the road and town, it would feel very safe, especially in light of what happened in Tullamore recently."

Cllr Fitzsimons suggested a two metre wide walkway, possibly wooden and another rail to protect walkers from the water.

"There is a great push on now to get people out walking, cycling and getting fit and there are plenty of grants for walkways and greenways and now is the time to take advantage of that funding,” he said.

Meanwhile, Meath County Council is progressing the detailed design of another two way cycle track along the river side of the R147, between the junction of Circular Road and the New Bridge, as part of Athlumney to Trim Road Cycle and Pedestrian Scheme.

In time, the Council also plans to have segregated cycle facilities along the R147 between Kilcarn and the Blackwater Retail Park.