Sir, – Recent correspondence regarding the Barrow towpath seems to have revealed that there is considerable support for the idea of Waterways Ireland to make the towpath more accessible to a greater number of people of all physical abilities and ages.
There has been no mention in the debate of the recent and thoughtful Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas report, which states: “Assets with huge capacity for development in rural areas include rivers, unused rural pathways, and railways. The development of such assets for rural recreation purposes would allow for the delivery of tourism and recreation infrastructure, providing a stimulus to many local areas affected by unemployment.”
That last word, “unemployment”, is critical. The establishment of a network of long-distance cycling and walking trails, using old towpaths and closed railway lines, would create jobs and could be achieved quickly at modest cost.
The Barrow towpath is not a local issue. It needs to be seen in a national context. It could be an integral link and connector as part of a planned national cycle network, which is Government policy. I am sure a modest grit path, as suggested by other recent correspondents, and available for all users – children, wheelchair users, cyclists, families with buggies – would benefit local users and would attract more visitors (who spend money) and could be achieved with great sympathy to the environment.
The need for a national cycle network has to be recognised, and this small section of publicly owned land along the Barrow may well be an important connector needed to implement this plan. If that is the case, the greater good for the greater number needs to prevail. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN QUINN
Ocean View,
Enniscrone,
Co Sligo.
Sir, – That the traditional Barrow towpath has survived so long without interference is a wonder in itself. I suppose it has to be widened and tamed, flattened and made visually sterile, in a politically correct attempt to make it more accessible for retired fridges and washing machines. – Yours, etc,
EUGENE TANNAM,
Monalea Park,
Firhouse,
Dublin 24.