The Boyne Greenway Non-Statutory Public Consultation is now Open

February 26, 2021March 21, 2021
by Ed Moynihan

New plans unveiled for the Boyne Greenway and Navigation Restoration

The much anticipated Stage 1 Feasibility report highlighting the proposed route options, in advance of identifying the emerging preferred route, have been unveiled. The Non-Statutory Public Consultation is now open and you can give your feedback here before Monday 22nd March. The proposed 26.5km Boyne Greenway section extends from Andy Brennan Park in Navan to the main gates at Oldbridge Estate, the location of the Battle of the Boyne. The proposed restoration of the Boyne Navigation would extend from Oldbridge Guard Lock to the canal harbour in Navan.

Plans for the Boyne Greenway have been in the works for a number of years and it is fantastic to see the project developing. Navan Cycling Initiative very much welcomes the news and is looking forward to seeing it progressing. To find out more on the Boyne Greenway see our dedicated page here.

*The Boyne Greenway Public Consultation Maps. Click on each to view bigger*

The full extent of the Boyne Greenway (officially known as The Drogheda, Navan, Trim Cycleway) is a 52km route from Drogheda following the Boyne to Slane, Navan and Trim before connecting to the Royal Canal (soon to be the Dublin to Galway Greenway) in Enfield.

The potential for the Boyne Greenway cannot be overstated enough. It will be transformative for Navan and surrounding areas and attract a huge number of visitors from all over Ireland and Europe, as well as being a great amenity for locals. There is a huge amount of ancient and historic sites to see, and with potential future links to the Dublin to Galway Greenway and the Fingal Coastal Way, we could be in the middle of a national network of traffic-free cycling and walking bliss.

What Stage are we at?

The project commenced in 2020 when a Constraints Study was prepared to identify key constraints and opportunities associated with the scheme study area. This Constraints Study covered both the greenway element and the navigation element of the project.

What’s happening now?

An initial route optioneering process has been completed for the greenway and this has included route options in the wider study area that extends as far as the N51 to the north of the river and the Boyne Road and Staleen Road to the south of the river. The aim of this process was to identify all potential route options. Route options along the existing towpath or through other land in close proximity to the river bank, have been identified as being the most feasible route options that would deliver the highest quality greenway route. Route options in close proximity to the canal or river are the subject of this public consultation.

A condition study has been undertaken of the Boyne navigation including the canal sections and locks. This has included a topographical survey of the canal sections and locks. A feasibility study of the navigation restoration is currently ongoing and it is anticipated that the outcome of this would be known in Q2 2021.

What’s happening next?

Following the public consultation process, all comments, queries and suggestions in relation to the route options identified will be reviewed. A detailed route option analysis process will then be completed in order to identify an emerging preferred route. In tandem with the greenway consultation the feasibility study of the navigation restoration will be completed. During this next stage of the project, both the emerging preferred route for the greenway and the canal restoration will be subject to further public consultation.