|
|
|
Last Updated: 6 Apr 2018 - 12:06:24 PM |
NENAGH TO BECOME A LEISURE CYCLING HUB
By Irish Sports Council
29 Apr 2009,
|
Email this article
|
Cyclists urged to get on their bikes as Nenagh becomes a new cycling hub.
Nenagh Town Council, Shannon Development, North Tipperary County Council, and North Tipperary Sports Partnership, have joined forces to encourage communities around North Tipperary to get on their bikes.
Under a partnership arrangement these organisations have been working together since mid 2008 to develop Nenagh and North Tipperary as a cycling Hub and the project will be formally launched on Saturday 16th May 2009 by Ossie Kilkenny, Chairman, Irish Sports Council.
Under their Shannon Region Trails Programme Shannon Development are working in partnership with Local Authorities and others to develop a series of cycling hub projects throughout the region. Under this Shannon Development led initiative work is now nearing completion for three cycling hub projects at Nenagh, North Tipperary, Doolin, Co. Clare and Kilmallock, Co Limerick. These projects form part of a Shannon Region cycling network being established by Shannon Development and are linked to the national cycling network.
Welcoming the very successful partnership arrangement for the project Pat Daly, Tourism Manager Shannon Development, the Shannon Region Tourism Authority said, "This project has major potential to growth cycling tourism for North Tipperary. Currently 102,000 overseas visitors participate in cycling holidays annually, generating €78m in annual revenue. There is significant opportunity to grow theses numbers along with domestic visitors to the North Tipperary area. This new attraction will also be a major amenity to the local community. We would encourage local accommodation providers, cycling enthusiasts and general tourism operators to get behind the initiative and exploit the opportunity to grow cycling tourism to the area".
Funding for the above project was provided by Shannon Development, North Tipperary County Council and Nenagh Town Council, including a contribution from Mayor Virginia O' Dowd from her Mayor's Project Fund. Commenting on the cycle routes the Mayor said that she is delighted to have been actively involved in developing these routes and looks forward to Nenagh and North Tipperary being developed as a green tourist destination. "As a form of tourism, cycling leaves a bigger spend in an area than any other forms of tourism. Cyclists spend their money in the locality on accommodation, food and leisure. This is a golden opportunity for our tourism providers to develop their markets", she said. Mayor O' Dowd urged motorists to be extra careful on our roads, especially minor roads, which will now see an increase in cycling activity.
Speaking about the cycle routes, Michael Molamphy, cycling enthusiast, who has been actively involved in developing the project, said that cycling routes will benefit both locals and visitors alike. Tourists will enjoy the planned, clearly signed and mapped routes that allow access to the Lough Derg shoreline and the unique lakeside villages and associated facilities. All routes radiate from the start/finish point in Banba Square, Nenagh, and take the cyclist along a newly created cycle path on Dromin Rd and across the N52 bypass from where it is possible to navigate to Garrykennedy, Dromineer, Terryglass and Cloughjordan. For those arriving in North Tipperary by lake on a cruiser the cycle routes also connect the harbours in the lakeside village.
For locals wishing to cycle for leisure or fitness the varying distances will allow beginners to build up a fitness regime as the routes ranging from 11Km to 67Km with numerous shorter alternatives. Each loop is numbered, while the shortcuts have a number and a letter. Loop 1 goes from Nenagh to Terryglass along the lakeshore through Dromineer, Skehana, and Coolbawn and on to Ballinderry before arriving in the award-winning village. The return journey is along very quiet inland roads through Roran, Tombricane, Finnoe, Carney and Knigh before arriving back in Nenagh. The full journey is 62Km (just under 40 miles) but along the way there are three shortcuts at route 1a (11Km), 1b (28Km) and 1c (46Km). Garrykennedy forms the focal point of route 2 which continues along some of the quietest roads in the region to Castlelough before looping around Portroe and back to Nenagh, a total journey of 30Km. Route 3 (67Km) takes the cyclist to Cloughjordan, home of Ireland's first eco village and on to The Pike, and Ballingarry towards Aglish before joining up with route 1 and the return journey to Nenagh. A shorter alternative (46Km) is provided from Modreeny to Borrisokane.
Full details of the routes will be available through large signboards placed at 11 locations along the loops. Maps and brochures are currently being printed and will be available from the launch date of May 16th. For further information on the North Tipperary cycling routes visit www.shannonregiontrails.ie
Welcoming the project Mayor of North Tipperary County Council Dr. Joe Hennessy said that North Tipperary County Council is delighted to be involved in this initiative which will greatly add to the tourism product in North Tipperary, particularly in Nenagh and the surrounding areas.
Highlighting the importance of the event Elaine Cullinan, Sports Co-ordinator with the North Tipperary Sports Partnership said that NTSP were delighted to be involved with this project and commented on the fact that cycling is a low impact, aerobic workout that provides a number of health benefits and can be continued for life without a major time commitment. Cycling is also a 'recession friendly' sport that does not involve a steep learning curve and a lot of expensive equipment. These cycling routes are for everyone, not just established cyclists. We would love to see families out on bikes using the routes and getting fit.
|
|
|
|
