Myles Buchanan at Wicklow County Council meeting A positive step for Blessington Greenway plan
THE BLESSINGTON Greenway should be in an advanced position to secure funding for phase 2 after councillors passed a Part VIII allowing for the development.
Director of services Michael Nicholson said Phase 1 had proved very successful and an application had been lodged with Fáilte Ireland for funding to complete the remaining part of the greenway.
‘Our application is still being considered but we would like to have all our ducks lined up so we are shovel ready. There will be a lot of competition for funding and those local authorities with plans at an advanced stage will have an advantage,’ added Mr Nicholson.
The council received 293 submissions regarding the Blessington Greenway, with most of those outlining their support. 15 submissions had comments to make while only two submissions were opposed to the project.
Cllr Jim Ruttle said the Greenway would prove to be a huge boost for the area: ‘It’s great to see so much recreational use of the lakes. In 1940, when the area was flooded, it represented to many people a total lockout of activity. Lots of people lost homes. My own family lost a farm.
‘This Greenway will add greatly to economic and county development and offers an opportunity for locals to take advantage. It’s an opportunity for people, especially in outlying villages, to gain something from the actual presence of the lake because it will bring visitors and will prove to be a good spin-off for the area.’
Cllr Vincent Blake said: ‘it will be a real benefit to have our ducks in line so when funding does come on stream, we are confident we will be there in the mix. This will put west Wicklow and Blessington on the map.’
Cllr Gerry O’Neill stated that members of the local community who first came up with the idea of a greenway deserved praise.
‘We are doing the easy job here. I see John Horan and Killian McGreal in the public gallery. Without their drive, and the drive of others, we wouldn’t be where we are today.’
Cllr Tommy Cullen wanted to see the Blessington Greenway linked up with the West Wicklow Heritage Trail, which is due to be launched soon.
Wicklow County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Edward Timmins, paid tribute to all those involved.
Twenty-five councillors voted in