County Kildare Walking Routes Project - Kildare.ie
County Kildare Walking Routes Project - Kildare.ie
County Kildare Walking Routes Project - Kildare.ie
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> <strong>Walking</strong> <strong>Routes</strong> <strong>Project</strong><br />
Agreement on a joint development plan and investment in signage and trail furniture is<br />
required before the walking route can be promoted.<br />
Athy Town (W1): This route had the fourth highest score of 189 out of a potential 250<br />
(75%) due to its combination of heritage town, canal bank and riverside walk. There are<br />
two maps in print, a heritage walk and a Slí na Sláinte route map. Signage is good and the<br />
presence of the Heritage Centre in Emily Square acts as an information point for walkers.<br />
This route could be promoted without any further development. Enhancements could<br />
include the installation of a numbered trail for heritage highlights, more frequent litter<br />
collection and regular maintenance of route furniture.<br />
Naas (W14): This walking route scored fifth highest with 181 out of a potential total of 250<br />
(72%). The addition of information boards on natural heritage along the canal would be an<br />
advantage. The out of print tourist trail booklet should be updated and republished with a<br />
new map based on the Slí na Sláinte route before the route is promoted.<br />
The Canal <strong>Routes</strong> Barrow Way 1 (W3), Barrow Way 2 (W4) and Grand Canal Way 1<br />
(W7) all scored within the top ten. Updating and reprinting of the “Towpath Trails – A<br />
Walkers Guide to the Canal Towpaths of <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong>” is required. Discussions between<br />
Waterways Ireland and <strong>Kildare</strong> <strong>County</strong> Council could address the underfoot conditions<br />
along some sections of the towpath which are overgrown and unsurfaced. There are<br />
several dumping black spots that require attention by the relevant authority. Improved road<br />
signage, including speed limits along road sections that intersect the canal would improve<br />
health and safety. The routes are already well promoted on www.ireland.<strong>ie</strong>,<br />
http://walks.iwai.<strong>ie</strong>/grand and the www.walkireland.<strong>ie</strong> websites. Once the towpath guide is<br />
republished and available from <strong>Kildare</strong> Fáilte, and other outlets, a promotional campaign<br />
by advertising on the Arrow commuter train service would introduce these routes to a<br />
growing suburban population with an interest in walking for exercise and a desire to learn<br />
more about the heritage of their new home district. The promotion campaign could be a<br />
joint effort of the Irish Heart Foundation, Waterways Ireland, the <strong>Kildare</strong> Sports<br />
Partnership, <strong>Kildare</strong> Fáilte and <strong>Kildare</strong> <strong>County</strong> Council.<br />
Kilcullen (W10): This is a town walk that was established by a community group with<br />
assistance from the public and private sector. It scored number nine out of ten with a 162<br />
points out of a possible 250 (65%). The riverside walking route has not been maintained<br />
and littering needs to be addressed. There is no one management structure in place.<br />
Existing information boards need to be upgraded and replaced. Additional signposting and<br />
repair of existing route furniture (stiles) is required. The financial support of wealthy local<br />
benefactors to upgrade the walking route should not be ruled out. However community<br />
groups do not have the continuity or resources to maintain a walking route. Investment in<br />
upgrade and repair and the appointment of a resourced management structure for the<br />
walking route is required before it can be promoted.<br />
Moat of Ardscull (W23): This proposed route scored number ten out of the top ten. It is<br />
mainly a road walk with associated bogland, a Norman Motte and vintage car racing<br />
promoted by an active community group. Signposting will be required and additional<br />
information boards to include a map board. The wildflower garden is in need of<br />
maintenance. A map guide with associated numbered sign posts would be an advantage.<br />
A speed limit and signs alerting drivers to the presence of walkers would address health<br />
and safety concerns along the route. Litter is a problem along the bog road sections and<br />
CSA <strong>Project</strong> 3419 18