Grant of €675,000 is pathway to safer cycling in Cavan

Patrice Brady

Cyclist groups in Cavan gave a warm welcome to last week’s official opening of one section of a network of cycle paths that ultimately will cost over half a million euro. Cavan Town received a €675,000 grant to develop a cycle and walk pathway on the outskirts of the town.

The Minister of State for public and commuter transport, Alan Kelly, officially opened the cycle path on Tuesday June 11, one of the many official opening of cycle paths he completed across the country that day. The Active Travel scheme that funded the construction of a 2.5km walking path as well as a 6km cycle lane was supported by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

The aim of the scheme is to reduce traffic congestion within the town and to encourage more sustainable modes of transport. The next stage of the cycle lane development is due to start in September with an additional 13km of cycle lane being funded.

Delighted

Although he did not attend the opening, Colm Connaughton, chairman of the Brefni Wheelers’ welcomed the pathway as a step forward in bike safety.

'Recently there have been serious accidents on bicycles where cycling lanes have not been provided. We, of course, are delighted that they were provided in a rural area such as Cavan.'

Cavan received one of the highest grants awarded to any county in the country and the minister announced that more funding is to be allocated to the scheme in the upcoming months.

Mayor of Cavan Des Cullen, who attended the launch told the Celt: 'The Department of Transport have given us a considerable grant and its great to have Cavan with a complete cycle and walkway that stretches across the Dublin Road, Ballinagh Road and new access Road. It is fantastic for the people of Cavan to have safe walk and cycle areas.'

Deputy Joe O’Reilly also praised the Cavan Town Council and Cavan County Council for securing the funding for the project.

Younger people

It was Minister Alan Kelly’s first official visit to County Cavan and during his speech he spoke of the benefits of cycling, especially to younger people in the area.

'It’s a key initiative especially for children making their way to school. Younger people will engage in different transport means at primary, secondary and college level. Already there has been an increase in bike usage.

'It is a good improvement for rural areas with its direct attachment to the road network. People in rural areas pay their taxes as well so they are entitled to avail of public transport.'

The launch of the new cycle pathway arrives just in time for National Bike Week, which runs from Sunday, June 23.

Doughnut hole syndrome

Minister Kelly, who formerly worked at Failte Ireland, also spoke of how The Gathering was helping tourism in rural areas as well as in the larger more urban areas.

'I think that The Gathering has been a success across Ireland and not just in the major towns and cities. The Gathering is about bringing people together and coming home.

'Ireland has what I would call a hole in the doughnut syndrome and the middle of the country, more rural places like Cavan and my own native Tipperary, are sometimes forgotten about when it comes to tourism. However I think that The Gathering initiative has changed this and allowed tourism to grow in rural areas.'