Funding needed for new walkway planned for King William’s Glen
AN exciting local initiative is underway to provide a scenic walking route to the site of the Battle of the Boyne, one of Ireland’s most significant historic sites.
Tullyallen Access the Glen Committee, a group of local residents set up to achieve the development of a footpath/walkway to allow safe access to King William’s Glen from the centre of Tullyallen village, is urging local politicians and business to help ensure the project is realised.
“We are delighted to have secured more than €58,000 from the Department of the Environment for this wonderful project but now we need everyone to get behind us to raise the additional funds,” Ann Marry, Committee Chairperson, and principal of Tullyallen National School, urged.
“We hope everyone will share our enthusiasm for this project which will ensure safe access to this area of immense historical significance and enhance the locality in many ways, both for residents and visitors.”
The project will primarily allow for a safe route for pedestrians along King William’s Glen, a narrow and notoriously dangerous road.
“Tullyallen has approximately 2,500 residents and the local national school caters for over 490 pupils but, as of now, there is very little green area available to the children,” Ms Marry said. “By completing this path to the Glen, acres of woodland will immediately become available for a wide range of recreational and educational purposes.”
“The Committee believe the project has considerable tourist potential and is confident it will attract visitors in considerable numbers to the area, with particular appeal for families. This will have a direct economic impact on the locality, a factor already recognised by local businesses who have offered support. Local landowners have been invaluable in facilitating this project and we are deeply grateful to them for this. Coillte has also agreed to complete a further walkway through the woods to join the proposed path.”
While the Committee is delighted to have obtained a grant of €58,313, under the Department of the Environment’s Town & Village Renewal Scheme, towards the costs, the initial estimate for the works was substantially more, Ms Marry said.
“We have to fund the remaining costs through local donations and would greatly appreciate if the community, including political and business leaders, would support us and ensure we complete this project for the benefit of our children, our community, our visitors and future generations.”
The Committee would like to thank those members of Louth County Council and others who have offered support to date, Ms Marry added.
Further information and details of how to donate, please contact :Ann Carolan Secretary, Tullyallen Access the Glen Committee, 087 6224221 - annc132@hotmail.com.