Planned cycleway to link Lough Boora and Grand Canal

Offaly County Council and Waterways Ireland are seeking public views on plans to create a new cycleway link from the Grand Canal to Lough Boora.

The proposal is to upgrade the towpaths of the Grand Canal to accommodate a shared walking and cycling facility.

The mainline of the Canal crosses Leinster from Ringsend in Dublin city to the River Shannon at Shannonharbour.

Over half of the length of the Grand Canal is located within Offaly.

The initial detail of the proposal was presented by planning staff of Offaly County Council to elected members at the July county council meeting.

The proposal is to upgrade the existing towpaths from Digby Bridge, Cappancur, to Turraun, where it will connect with the existing cycle network of Lough Boora Discovery Park.

The proposal, which is on public display from September 16 to October 29, is designed to improve and enhance connectivity from Tullamore to Lough Boora Discovery Park and to complement work that has already been delivered in the Edenderry Harbour Area.

Members of the public are invited to view the drawings for the proposed work and make a submission to the Council. Submissions will be accepted from September 16 to November 13.

Further details on where the public can view the drawings are available online at www.offaly.ie or contact the Planning Office on (057) 93 57414.