Council to investigate providing pedestrian link between Glasson and Tubberclair

Westmeath County Council is set to look at ways of providing a pedestrian and cycle path from Glasson village to Tubberclare NS, it emerged following a motion from Green Cllr Louise Heavin at the January meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

Cllr Heavin, who received widespread support from her colleagues, said she was raising the issue in the context of providing an accessible environment for all and believes this is an ideal opportunity to create “a safe route linking community facilities” in both areas.

With everyone now limited where they can exercise, and most enjoying their exploring their locality, she said that in her opinion this was an ideal location to put in a new pedestrian link.

“There is a verge there that could be converted from what I can see. There would be plenty of use from Glasson to the school and vice-versa or for people going to the shops or for recreation,” she explained, stressing that it would have to be done in a way that the junction at the GAA pitch is safe for all road users.

Cllr John Dolan (FG) said he saw great merit in the motion given there is no land purchase needed, the verge is already there. He called on the council to do a survey and cost such a project, telling the meeting that the N55 will eventually be downgraded with the new road and that will take a lot of traffic off that stretch.

With Glasson and Tubberclair so closely linked in terms of the school and the church, Cllr Frankie Keena said it makes sense to link both areas for pedestrians and Tubberclair GAA club would benefit greatly from such a move.

While Westmeath County Council's director of Services Barry Kehoe, did sound some notes of caution, he agreed to investigate the proposal which covers two and a half kilometres in length.

He reminded members that space is limited on the northside at just two metres, less in some cases, and they will have to consider how it could be done. Close to the veterinary clinic there is no verge at all, and that will have to be addressed as will lighting and drainage implications.

Referring to a recent meeting with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), formerly the NRA, where they didn't rule out the idea and seemed interested, he said the council will as part of their work programme do an assessment and go back to TII to see about funding who may look at it in the long-term.

In the short-term, Mr Kehoe said it is not a great environment for walking given how heavily trafficked it is currently and the level of HGVs on that road. They may only have two metres but he acknowledged that is better than nothing at all.

Welcoming the council's agreement to do a study of her proposal, Green Cllr Louise Heavin concluded that she understands that it is not a pleasant environment in terms of traffic but she reminded the meeting that not everyone drives, for example, teenagers, and there is a need to walk between both areas.

She said it is ironic that people currently have to drive to use the walking track in Tubberclair GAA pitch.