Putting down the proposed hard surface would make the 115km river and canal bank towpath suitable for cycling. It would create a stunning route. But the councils are split. Crucially one is still to vote on the contentious plans (Photo courtesy Rothar Routes)
Barrow Blueway would have hard surface for cycling
A planned 115km route for cycling along the Barrow tow path has suffered a serious setback after one local council refused to grant planning permission.
However, Laois County Council has granted permission. Kildare County Council, in whose area 47km of the path would run, is yet to decide.
Plans to develop what is currently a grassy walkway into a semi permanent surface, which would make it more suitable for cycling, were always seen as contentious.
And now, in the face of intense local opposition, Carlow County Council has refused planning permission.
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A 52km stretch of the mooted Barrow Blueway passes through Carlow's catchment area. It has declined planning due ecological and conservationist considerations.
However, if the local authority in Kildare grants permission, like Laois; then Carlow County Council may come under pressure to revisit its decision.
The Barrow proposal involves putting an unbound hard core surface rolled in crushed limestone onto the existing towpath; a track in the grass made by walkers.
The Barrow Way runs about 115km from Lowtown in Co Kildare to St Mullins in neighbouring Co Carlow. It winds its way along river and canal paths.
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Last March the local authorities responsible for granting or rejecting planning for the new track asked Waterways Ireland for more information on the project.
Waterways Ireland two months ago replied, pointing out the proposed new surface, for a 2.5 metre wide path, worked well in other parts of the world.
Compacted stone and dust unbound path was planned for the vast majority of the Barrow towpath, it said. Many global slow tourism attractions, the agency added, use the same surface.
A proposal to retain the grass surface – with plastic gridding added – was considered. It was abandoned on the basis the grass would become uneven and unsightly.
Waterways Ireland also said the proposed path would follow the existing one. As a result, it believed the environmental impact will be minimal.
And it also claimed the choice of surface would make the path safe in all weathers and accessible for a variety of users.
It believed flooding would not get any worse. The path, it said, would be used by a maximum 1,500 people per day.
Many voices against Barrow Blueway
Those opposing the plans say replacing the grassy surface with a hard unbound surface would interfere with the area’s ecosystem.
The existing grass surface, opponents say, already accommodates cyclists, walkers, anglers and joggers.
Those opposing also believed a hard unbound surface on the narrow towpath would encourage cycling at speed.
And they believe that raises a major safety issue beside a waterway.
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