People in Laois called to have their say on development of new greenway

People in Laois have been invited to have their say on the development of a new greenway between Monasterevin and Portarlington. 

A feasibility study to examine the potential for the new greenway is underway and six potential routes between Monasterevin and Portarlington have been identified.

Leading the study is Kildare County Council in co-operation with Laois and Offaly's local authorities.

So far, a baseline study has been completed which examined population and human health, landscape green and blue infrastructure, biodiversity, waterbodies, soil and geology, drainage, structure and traffic, air, noise, climate, built heritage, archaeology and cultural heritage, recreation and tourism, as well as climate action. 

The project is still in the early stage of the process and it is now at the 'options' stage. This means the local authorities are now seeking input from the public on the potential options for routes. 

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People who live, visit or work near Monasterevin and Portarlington are invited to shape the project as it progresses towards the selection of a preferred option. Kildare County Council is looking for these people to share information and their views. 

There will be two Public Information Events for locals to get involved with the development - one in Monasterevin and one in Portarlington.

The first will be held at Monasterevin Community Centre in Kildare from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, November 25. Then the second will be held at Portarlington Enterprise Centre in Laois from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, November 26.

Additionally, submissions relating to the feasibility study can be made in writing to A/Senior Parks and Landscape Officer, Parks & Open Spaces, Level 7 at Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, County Kildare. You can also make submissions online here. 

People can make submissions from 9am on Wednesday, November 19. The deadline for submissions is 4pm on Friday, December 19. Submissions should be titled 'Monasterevin to Portarlington Greenway - Feasibility Study.'

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme