Hopes for a protected cycle path between two County Sligo seaside villages moves a step closer

Councillors have recently been reviewing the Chief Executive’s Report on the Draft County Development Plan and various amendments have been proposed.

Members of the Sligo Cycling Campaign have expressed their delight by the councillors’ decision to unanimously support a proposal for a Coastal Mobility Route - a continuous protected cycling route between Strandhill and Rosses Point.

The amendment proposed by Councillor Sinead Maguire and seconded by Councillor Marie Casserly called for the Development Plan “to prioritise a single Coastal Mobility Route between Strandhill and Rosses Point and list it as an objective within the County Development Plan.

This will facilitate a significant economic benefit and increase active travel, sustainable tourism and health and wellbeing.”

Welcoming the amendment, Chairperson of Sligo Cycling Campaign, Joan Swift said: “For some time Sligo Cycling Campaign has been advocating for a Coastal Mobility Route including Sligo town and the seaside resorts of Strandhill and Rosses Point.

“Upgrades to the cycle lanes on the R292 and R291 were listed in the Draft County Development Plan along with proposed cycle facilities within Sligo town and in the two villages.

“So, the components of an iconic family-friendly safe cycling route were already present. “What was needed was an imaginative proposal to combine them into a single route. We got this last week, and we want to express our gratitude to the councillors for inserting this amendment.”

Campaign Vice-Chair, Una L’Estrange said “I live in Rosses Point and I cycle to my job in ATU Sligo. It is an easy commute on my e-bike but nonetheless I am very much in a minority, and I can’t encourage my children to cycle to school.

“Paint is not protection but a protected cycle route will offer people living in or visiting Rosses Point the opportunity for a safe scenic cycle to and from Sligo.” Sligo resident Bob Coggins said: “I very much welcome this exciting amendment. We have taken part in many cycling events with Sligo Cycling Campaign.

“Cycling with our young family is so much fun and recently we have encouraged our neighbours to join us with their children.

“However, sharing the road with cars mars the enjoyment and many people find it too stressful. A Coastal Mobility Route would be a game-changer for both local and visiting families. We are so glad our councillors have come on board.”

Ken Russell from the ATU and Strandhill Sustainable Energy Community (an SEAI initiative) welcomed the proposal for a Sligo Coastal Mobility Route. “Strandhill is Sligo’s third largest population centre and a popular visitor attraction for day trippers and holidaymakers.

“That is a lot of potential for modal shift,” said Russell. “If even a fraction of commuting and leisure trips can be made by bike it will contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions, air pollution and noise and will enhance health and wellbeing.”

The membership of Sligo Cycling Campaign is aware that having a Coastal Mobility Route as an objective in the County Development Plan is just the first step towards achieving it. “But it is a vital first step,” said Swift. The amended draft plan will now go out to public consultation for a four-week period and following the local elections the new County Council will adopt the County Development Plan 2023-2029.

After that the planners will move on to preparing the Sligo Local Area Plan. The CMR Route will require feasibility studies and of course funding.

“We will continue our advocacy. This is a prize worth winning and we will be looking to the Executive, Councillors, TDs, tourism interests, the Western Development Commission, Sligo Chamber, the IDA and everyone in a leadership role to progress it,” said Ms Swift.