Cathaoirleach eager to see new Greenway constructed
Greenway would include a cyclists track.
A greenway running from Virginia College to the Lakeside Manor Hotel is top of Councillor TP O’Reilly’s wishlist as new chair of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District.
The Fine Gael representative stated that while the project is “ambitious”, he is keen to push it through.
“The one thing I’m going to be pushing for is a greenway from the lake shore up to the Lakeside Manor,” says the Virginia native during an interview with the Celt. “It’s ambitious maybe but if we can even get it part of the way [it'd be good]. We’re looking into it at the minute.”
The Greenway would include a cyclists track and lane for walkers also.
Cllr O'Reilly emphasised that the project remains in its infancy, and has not yet been put forward to the council for approval.
“There’s a few land owners and invested parties there that need to come on side so I’d just be cautious until we’d have buy-in from everyone and we’d propose it then.
“It’s something that I’m working on personally just to get stakeholders to buy into it first. We will be talking to a few people about it and it is something that we’d be keen to progress to look for funding.”
A greenway, he feels, would top off what has been an incredibly busy few years for the popular town of Virginia.
The long-awaited completion of the town's streetscapes and road realignment has finally concluded, much to the relief of many residents, business owners and commuters who were disrupted by the extensive works.
“The Virginia streetscape is done, we’re just waiting on solar bins and a bit more street furniture,” says Cllr O'Reilly.
“We’re glad it has finally gotten over the line because it was starting to drag on. It’s good to see it done.”
Cllr O’Reilly also made reference to the successful opening of the Ramor Theatre last week, with it hosting the bluegrass band Pilgrim St, as well as the much anticipated opening of the beautiful new civic centre and library, set to take place in mid-July.