The new Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway opened with great fanfare in May. But the greenway from Kingscourt to Navan doesn’t actually go to Navan. So we started a petition, and we were amazed by the support!

Why Can’t We Just Be Happy About This Great Amenity?

We are. At any given hour on any given day, you’ll find at least one if us cycling up and down the Greenway. It’s amazing to have such a great place right in our doorstep, and we’re the biggest fans.

But.

To use the greenway, you need to get to it. That means walking or cycling. Have you tried walking or cycling along Ratholdren Road? It’s one of the busiest roads in Navan, and very hostile to people on foot or bike. How do kids cycle safely to it? How to families cycle from the greenway to then head to get a coffee or a bite to eat? Here’s a video we made previously, with quotes from local residents:

Aren’t there already plans to fix this?

There are. There’s a road being built (the LDR4 Bridge by Blackwater Park), going to the roundabout below St Pat’s school. This road is in planning for at least six years, and will apparently be complete in 2025. The one thing we’ve learned is that transport projects never run on time. So let’s say 2026 for completion.

So when the bridge is done, you’ll be able to get to the greenway, right?

Well, no. Some traffic will be diverted away from Ratholdren Road. And you’ll be able to park in Blackwater park and go from there (in theory at least – the timeline for this is very unclear)

And even when the new bridge is done, how will you get to the greenway from the middle of town? The planned cycle lanes on the Kells Road (see here) connecting the to the new bridge won’t be in place.

Over 500 Signatures – And Counting!

During Bike Week we started a petition, to see if the people of Navan felt the same as us. We were absolutely amazed by the response!

On World Bicycle Day 3rd June we reached 500 signatures supporting our call to connect the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway.

What Next?

When the dust has settled and the new local Councillors are in place, we’ll be bringing the petition to them, and ask them to listen to the people they represent, by fast-tracking safe access to the Greenway.

Please continue to support our call for safe access to the Greenway in Navan: