With reference to Objective (TM021) The development of a walking route between Lullymore, Killinthomas Woods and Rathangan in consultation with all relevant landowners. The delivery of the Barrow Blueway with Waterways Ireland and associated works to enhance the amenity use of the river and canal area.
West Kildare SMART Rural Alliance welcomes the development of this particular walking route as it will provide safe pedestrian access from Rathangan to Killinthomas Woods and onto Lullymore. However, while the Barrow Blueway is the safest cycling and pedestrian route from Lowtown to Athy - a key challenge for local communities is how to draw people/tourists off the Blueways and into their communities/attractions. Routes off the Blueways have to be as safe and cycle/pedestrian friendly as the Blueway itself. It is worth noting that Killinthomas Woods are beside the BnM works in Ballydermot and at the heart of an industrial rail network which has the potential to link many of the older BnM/ESB communities in Kildare to the Barrow, Grand and Royal Canal Blueways and on to communities in Laois and Offaly. A walking route linking the Royal Canal at Enfield with Kilshanroe and onto BnM lands at Timahoe North would complete the route across the county.