Plans drawn up for Portumna blueway and new marina

Plans for the construction of a 2.4km pedestrian and cyclist ‘blueway’ from Portumna Bridge and connecting Lough Derg Water Recreation Park and Portumna Forest Park have been lodged with Galway County Council.

The blueway plans also include the construction of a new eight-berth marina at the historic Connaught Harbour.

Waterways Ireland has lodged the extensive planning application with the Council, which is intended to be completed in two phases.

Phase I is for a new multi-use shared leisure route (referred to as a ‘blueway’ because of its waterside location), 2.4km in length, with tailored surface finishes, information, directional and safety signage.

The route commences at Portumna Bridge, crosses over the ESB flood bank via a new 36-metre long timber boardwalk, to connect to a new 2.5m wide path (725m long) along the western toe of the embankment.

This will connect via a new access control gate to the existing stoned access road, 775m and including three 6m wide layby areas along the same embankment.

It will then connect to the paved surface at Portumna Water Recreation Park via a new 6m section of boardwalk, with a new pedestrian/cycle access gate.

“The existing footpath in the Water Recreation Park will be retained and repaired where necessary, and a new cycle lane provided with bollards to separate it from vehicles. The existing slipway providing boat access to Lough Derg will not be affected.

“The existing footpath at the entrance to the park will be widened and bollards relocated to provide a shared pedestrian and cycle trail,” the application reads.

The route continues through adjacent farm land which connects to OPW lands that lead to the existing access road at Portumna Forest Park.

Phase II involves a new eight-berth marina, incorporating boat pump-out at Connaught Harbour. It also involves the removal of the two existing buildings and construction of a new car parking area.

This is a preview only. For full details, see this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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