. Galway to Dublin National Cycleway (Mullin lingar t to Athlone) - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

. Galway to Dublin National Cycleway (Mullin lingar t to Athlone) TII National Roads Conference 28 th Sept 2016 Michael Kelly National Roads Office Mullingar

Outline of Presentation  Brief background to Galway to Dublin Cycleway  Mullingar to Athlone • Construction of Mullingar to Garrycastle (40km) • Garrycastle to Whitegates (2km) • Whitegates to Marina (1km) • Bridge Crossing to Athlone Castle (0.5km )  Costings

Brief History  National Cycle Network Scoping Study 2010

Fáilte Ireland Research A strong business case can be made for the development of cycling tourism with some significant markets to target if the right infrastructure can be delivered on the ground. Key Findings Most attractive scenery possible • Services at least every 15-20km • Accommodation can be simple • Safe and free from traffic • Detailed route maps with attractions and services • Public Transport not needed by the majority • Places for shelter because of our weather • Flat routes preferred •

Business Case Recommendations Support growth of recreational tourism. • Maximise value of existing infrastructure • i.e. Canal towpaths & disused railways Support European objectives for • sustainable tourism. Market research by Failte Ireland • 1. Quality of product 2. Segregation 3. Strong promotional campaign 4. Scale: Min 250km CPO to acquire land instead of Permissive • Access Branding and Marketing critical • Economic Appraisal shows a Benefit to • Cost Ratio of 2.6

Branding Galway to Dublin Cycleway

Branding Galway to Dublin Cycleway

Branding Galway to Dublin Cycleway

Branding Galway to Dublin Cycleway

Branding Galway to Dublin Cycleway

Branding Galway to Dublin Cycleway

Branding Galway to Dublin Cycleway

Branding Galway to Dublin Cycleway

Current Status Galway-Dublin Cycleway 115 km opened by end 2017 MULLINGAR ATHLONE DUBLIN GALWAY MAYNOOTH 1. Dublin to Maynooth (NTA) 2.3km Opened; 14.3km with Planning; 8.3km at Planning 2. Maynooth to Westmeath boundary 38km, Construction commenced August 2016 3. Westmeath boundary to Mullingar 27km, Opened in 2014 4. Mullingar to Garrycastle, Athlone 40km, Opened October 2015 5. Garrycastle, Athlone to Athlone Marina 4.5km, Part 8 approved December 2015 6. Athlone Marina to Athlone Castle 0.5km, EIS submitted to ABP in next 3 weeks 7. Athlone Castle to Galway City 140km, Paused by Minister late 2015

Old Rail Trail Section MULLINGAR ATHLONE DUBLIN GALWAY MAYNOOTH 4. Mullingar to Garrycastle, Athlone 40km, Opened October 2015

Vegetation Removal Beware of Birds and Wildlife Nesting season March 1 st to August 31 st when committing to a delivery programme. Do advanced works if possible.

Drainage Drainage Issues in Railway Cuttings Drainage Issues in Railway Cuttings

Formation and Capping Approximately 135,000 tonnes of Capping imported, with an average depth of 250mm

2km section through Crosswood Bog After Vegetation removal Trial Holes Surface Dressed Section Geotextile and Geogrid

Installation of Bridge Decks €18,000 / deck

Installation of Bridge Decks

Pavement Installation Top 75mm of Clause 804 subbase laid with paver 55mm Clause 906 (20mm) binder course 45mm clause 912 (14mm) wearing course Verges laid prior to WC with adapted paver

Bridge parapets

Bridge Parapets Bespoke P4 parapet with detail added to enhance the aesthetics of the Protected Structure

Chicanes at Public Roads Pavement widened 1m Chicane gap fixed at 1100mm to allow for turning to restrict vehicles & quads

Agriculture Crossing Points

Refurbishment of Protected Structures

Refurbishment of Protected Structures

Refurbishment of Protected Structures Moate Signal Box - Before Moate Signal Box - After

Before and After 50m tunnel under private house garden

Trail Heads & Parking

Old Rail Trail

Promotional video

Cycleway along Royal Canal

Access on Canal Split half gates work well; restrict access and can be opened to facilitate maintenance vehicles Kissing Gates not suitable for cyclists

2.2km extension - Garrycastle to Whitegates This 2.2km Section Connects directly to: • Marist Secondary School (510 Students) • Athlone Community School (1000 Students) • Bower Secondary School (710 Students) • Gaelscoil (310 Students) • Athlone Regional Sports Centre • Athlone GAA Pitch • Athlone Tennis Club Whitegates Garrycastle

Whitegates to Marina Proposed railway underpass End of disused railway

River Shannon Crossing

Photomontages of bridge location options

Arch vs. Beam Option Arch Option Beam Option

Screening Western Ramp Profile of existing Boardwalk Profile of existing R446

Western Ramp

Conceal Eastern Ramp Eastern Ramp concealed by basement car park of hotel

View west crossing proposed bridge

Photomontage of Proposed bridge from Custume Bridge

Costings Outturn Cost on Canal line; Basic path incl quarry dust surface =€ 60k/km Estimated Cost on Canal line include widening into canal, ducting and bituminous pavement on sections in charge of the LA =€130k/km Outturn Costs on 40km Railway line of which €60k/km was for pavement €180k/km Estimated Costs of getting through Urban Centres / Athlone Estimated Costs Dublin to Maynooth =€ 1m/km Estimated Land Costs Athlone to Galway =€100k/km Estimated average cost per km Dublin – Galway = €315k/km

Reference Documents

mkelly@wccprojectoffice.ie