Upgrades to Boyne Ramparts Path

February 2, 2021February 3, 2021
by Ed Moynihan

Work on resurfacing on the Boyne Ramparts from Navan to Broadboyne Bridge to commence

Meath County Council has announced that work on upgrading the towpath will start from February 2 and will last for approximately six weeks. The path will be closed in sections while the work is done. First announced last October, funding of €40,000 was secured for the work under the Town & Village Enhancement scheme.

A hugely popular local amenity, the route, which you can see in more detail here, runs for a total of 8km out to the Broadboyne/Stackallen Bridge, and will form part of the Boyne Greenway, currently in planning. It is very popular route with local people in the area, with families, walkers, runners and cyclists all enjoying the attractions along by the River Boyne. At present the surface of the path is rough, with a lot of heavy stones and uneven surfaces which make it challenging for cycling, so these improvements are very much welcome.

*On the trail along the Boyne Ramparts. All photos by Navan Cycling Initiative*

Cycling for All

The work, which is being carried out by Luke O’Reilly Plant Hire Ltd, will also see the installation of benches and signage along the route. Navan Cycling Initiative have also called on Meath County Council to make the facility accessible to all. At present there are two gates along the length of the path that prevent passage by users of wheelchairs, buggies, tricycles, mobility bicycles or bikes with child seats/trailers. The gate at the Eastern end also presents an obstruction.

*Image from CyclingForAll.ie, highlighting the benefits of bollards over other types of gates*

We hope that Meath County Council uses this opportunity to remove or replace the gates so as to provide access for all irrespective of age or ability or disability. It would be a shame and a waste of resources to spend money and not have proper access for all at the end of it.

Where access needs to be restricted best practice would be to provide (removable/dropdown & lockable) bollards and not chicane gates or kissing gates. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council have been doing an excellent job opening up pathways to all and no doubt would be in a position to advise should such be needed.