Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway

Project Progress

Current Phase (Highlighted Blue):

Phase 0- Scope and Pre-Appraisal

Phase 1- Concept and Feasibility

Phase 2- Options Selection

Phase 3- Design and Environmental Evaluation

Phase 4- Statutory Processes

Phase 5- Enabling and Procurement

Phase 6- Construction and Implementation

Phase 7- Close out and Review

Latest Updates

News

News Update from The Project Manager

"idea is absolutely fantastic – Keep up the good work”

Mid-Year Update 2024

As we enter August 2024, significant progress has been made on the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway project. The first half of the year has seen the successful completion of several critical tasks, with notable achievements outlined below:

1. Site Investigation (SI) Works

A major milestone has been the completion of Site Investigation (SI) works, which included:

• Cable Percussion Boreholes: Drilled to obtain soil and rock samples, providing essential data for assessing ground conditions.

• Rotary Core Boreholes: Advanced drilling techniques were employed to retrieve continuous core samples for detailed geological analysis.

• Cone Penetration Testing (CPT): This method provided in-situ soil data, aiding in the determination of soil stratigraphy and geotechnical properties.

Image: The photo above shows the CPT equipment and crew in action in July 2024, capturing the team as they gather critical data for geotechnical assessments.

The site investigation works were conducted after an exceptionally wet winter, which kept the River Shannon's water levels unusually high until late April. The timely completion of these investigations is crucial for confirming accurate data collection for the project.

2. Topographical Surveys

Topographical surveys were completed, focusing on proposed access roads and properties within the project area.

3. Detailed Design and Environmental Impact Assessment

The detailed design phase has progressed to an advanced stage, with substantial progress made in refining project plans. Concurrently, the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is advancing well. The team is on track to submit a planning application to An Bord Pleanála in Q4 of 2024, a critical step for securing the necessary approvals.

4. Engagement with Landowners and Community

In the spirit of openness, meetings with affected landowners have continued, keeping them informed about the project's progress and potential impacts on their properties. These discussions have been constructive, addressing accommodation works and any required adjustments or support. Looking ahead to 2024, additional meetings are planned to finalise the proposed land acquisition process, considering the input of affected landowners.

5. Upcoming Underwater Archaeological Survey

An underwater archaeological survey is set to begin in early August. This survey will aim to identify and assess potential archaeological remains or artifacts within the project area, ensuring that the development respects and preserves the region's cultural heritage.

In summary, 2024 has been a year of steady progress for the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway project. Despite the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, the team's dedication and community engagement have laid the foundation for a project that enhances the region while respecting its natural surroundings. As we move into the second half of the year, the project team's primary focus will be on submitting the planning application to An Bord Pleanála in Q4 of 2024. This submission will be a crucial first step in securing the necessary approvals and bringing the Blueway vision to life for the benefit of the local community.

Geotechnical Investigations

Land based geotechnical investigations which took place on the 08th and 09th of November 2023 at St. Marys GAA training pitch in Carrick on Shannon. The geotechnical investigations which took place were Cable Percussive Boreholes with Rotary Core follow on. The results of these geotechnical investigations will determine the existing underlying ground conditions.

End-of-Year Update (2023): Steady Progress Amid Challenges for Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway

As we conclude 2023, the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway project has achieved steady progress, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of challenges.

The detailed design of the preferred route has advanced well, thanks to the focused efforts of the project's design team. Several workshops have been conducted to refine the design, ensuring its alignment with the project vision.

Environmental assessments have been a top priority, marked by the successful completion of the Appropriate Assessment Screening and Environmental Impact Assessment Screening. These achievements underscore the project's commitment to preserving the local environment.

However, it is essential to note that adverse weather conditions in 2023, leading to elevated water levels in the River Shannon, disrupted several key site-dependent investigations and surveys. This disruption affected geotechnical investigations, topographical surveys, and pre-development archaeological testing, consequently delaying our initial goal of lodging a planning application for the Carrick to Battlebridge Blueway early in 2024.

Despite these challenges, the project team has shown resilience. The process of scoping the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) has commenced with An Board Pleanala (ABP). This step ensures a comprehensive evaluation of potential environmental impacts, allowing for informed decision-making and a commitment to sustainable development practices.

In a spirit of openness, meetings have been held with affected landowners to discuss the preferred route. These discussions have been constructive, addressing concerns collaboratively. Looking ahead to 2024, additional meetings are planned to finalize the proposed land acquisition process, taking into consideration the input of affected landowners.

In summary, 2023 has marked a year of measured progress and resilience for the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway project. The team's dedication, coupled with community engagement, establishes a solid foundation for a project that enhances the region while respecting its natural surroundings. As we enter the new year, the project remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and responsible development, with the aim of bringing the Blueway vision to life for the benefit of the local community.

Mid-Year Review: Progress Continues for Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway Project

As we enter August 2023, we are delighted to share the latest update on the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway project. Over the course of the year, significant strides have been made, bringing us closer to the realisation of this transformative Blueway.

Looking back at our previous update in January, we are proud to report that our progress has been significant. Having successfully moved into Phase 3, the Design & Environmental Evaluation stage, the project has entered a critical phase of development. The Project Team has been hard at work, and we are pleased to announce that the detailed design of the preferred route has made substantial progress. T his preferred route was carefully selected after thorough evaluation and was showcased at the Open Day in August last year, receiving overwhelming support from the public.

In line with our commitment to environmental responsibility, comprehensive environmental baseline studies for the preferred route have been substantially completed. These studies are vital in ensuring that the Blueway aligns harmoniously with the natural surroundings and protects the local ecosystem.

Throughout this journey, community engagement and stakeholder input have remained central to our approach. We have conducted various consultation meetings with project stakeholders and landowners, valuing their perspectives and insights. The positive response from the community has been heartening, with many expressing excitement and anticipation for the completion of this project.

Building on this momentum, site investigations commenced in February along the preferred route. These over-the-water and on-the-ground assessments will provide essential data to inform the final design so that the Blueway is thoughtfully integrated into the landscape.

As we continue our efforts, we look ahead to the rest of 2023 with enthusiasm. Our goal is to have the detailed design and environmental reporting sufficiently complete, allowing us to progress towards lodgement of a planning application for the Carrick to Battlebridge Blueway early in 2024. This application will mark a significant milestone in our journey to bring this exciting vision to life.

We express our gratitude to the public, stakeholders, and everyone involved in supporting the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway project. Together, we are creating a recreational haven that will not only enhance the local community but also attract visitors from near and far. As we move forward, we remain committed to delivering a project with your continued support and engagement that will be a source of pride for the local community for generations to come.

Geotechnical investigations for the proposed Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway

Geotechnical investigations for the proposed Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway commenced on the 27th of February 2023. The first phase provides for geotechnical investigation over water and involves four Cable Percussive boreholes with rotary core follow-on within the River Shannon. The photograph shows the floating pontoon with the associated geotechnical drilling rigs, jacked in position at Corryolus. This work over water is now substantially complete.

The land based geotechnical investigations, phase two, involves Cable Percussive Boreholes, Rotary Cores, Cone Penetration Testing and Geophysics along the 10km stretch of the proposed Blueway from Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge. The land based geotechnical investigations will begin on 27th of March 2023.

The purpose of these geotechnical investigations is to determine the existing underlying ground conditions along the proposed route.

More Progress in 2022 on the Carrick Blueway

Conor McCarthy, Director of Jennings O’Donovan and Project Manager for the Carrick to Battlebridge Blueway Project

As 2022 draws to a close, the Project Team can reflect back over another positive year on the journey in the development of the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway. More progress has been made across the year on the various phases of work and community engagement that are required to ultimately achieve planning consent for this exciting project which when completed will be transformational for the county and indeed for the wider region.

At the end of 2021, there were seven alternative routes under consideration, and which had been presented for public consultation. During the first Quarter of 2022, these were reduced to three alternative routes, each of which was subjected to more detailed evaluation under broad headings of environment, engineering, economy and social integration. All of this work was leading towards arriving at an emerging preferred route.

This route was then presented at an Open Day in the Bush Hotel in August as part of the third public consultation phase for the project. An aerial survey helped to show the emerging preferred route as it winded along the banks of the River Shannon from Carrick under the bridge at Hartley to the canal at Leitrim Village, returning from the village to the Shannon and continuing along to Battlebridge to complete the journey of some ten kilometres and arrive at the existing Blueway from Battlebridge to Drumshanbo.

The response of the public has been overwhelmingly positive with people “very excited” about “this wonderful project”, “looking forward to walking it” and saying that “it cannot happen soon enough”. These comments are of great support to the Project Team as they develop the design and continue with stakeholder engagement which over the year included not only members of the public but also the National Parks and Wildlife Service; Inland Fisheries Ireland; LAWPRO; potentially affected landowners and elected representatives of the Carrick Municipal District.

The Team now moves forward to the detailed design and the preferred route option, the completion of birds, habitat, aquatic and archaeological surveys and preparation of accompanying environmental reports. Site investigation work will start on the ground and a more detailed topographical survey to inform the final design will be undertaken.

We look forward to 2023 being another progressive year and to having detailed design and environmental reporting sufficiently complete to enable a planning application for the Carrick to Battlebridge Blueway to be lodged.

November 2022

We are delighted to announce the successful completion on Wednesday August 19, 2022 of the third public consultation for the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Project. We would like to thank all those members of the public who attended the Open Day in the Bush Hotel on Thursday August 04, 2022 and for sharing their thoughts on the emerging preferred route. We would also like to thank everyone who returned the questionnaire either on-line, by post or indeed in person at the Bush Hotel on the Open Day. All your comments and opinions are important and of interest to the Project Team. Your views will be considered by the Team as we move on to the next stage of the project, consideration of the final route option for the proposed Blueway within the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor.

Open Day in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon August 04, 2022

Members of the Project Team at the Public Consultation No. 3 Open Day in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon on August 04, 2022

March 2022

We are coming to the end of the first quarter of 2022, and as we near the end of March we all start to think of longer, warmer evenings with opportunities to be outdoors walking and taking exercise. Now is a good time to give you a brief update on the continuing progress with the planning phases of the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway.

The first three months of the year have been a busy time for the Project Team. Following on from the Open Day in the Bush Hotel in November, the Report on the Second Public Consultation was completed earlier this month. The purpose of the Second Public Consultation was to examine and receive feedback on the seven route options developed, and to assist in a process of identifying a Preferred Route Option. Respondents were also invited to give any other information they would like the Project Team to consider. Documentation including a Feedback Form was distributed to 2,364 residential and 926 commercial addresses in the Study Area. 123 responses were received. The main category of the responses received was from residential property owner category, with 95 responses. The majority of the 123 responses received were supportive of the proposed Blueway with a total of 103 saying they would use it. Many of the respondents included very positive comments on the proposed Blueway in their feedback forms. Some of these comments are highlighted on the website. We have combined two of the comments for the title of this news update “Blueway idea is fantastic – Keep up the good work”.

The Project Team is currently working on the Route Options Report which will reduce the number of route options from seven to three. The project will progress to Public Consultation No. 3, now likely to be in May, and which will be on the Preferred Route Option.

Some Comments Received

“Blueway is a wonderful project and would be a huge asset to our town”.

“Love the safeway the Blueways give us to walk, free of hassle”.

“Looking forward to this”.

“I am delighted to learn of this new development”.

“Congratulations on this wonderful project”.

“Wonderful idea and will be a great tourist attraction”.

“Game changer with major economic and social benefits”.

“Region has been greatly enhanced by the Blueway from Battlebridge to Drumshambo and the walk from Leitrim to Kilclare”.

“The Blueway will be a major tourist benefit to the residents of this area and a major tourism attraction also. Well done!”.

“Keep up the good work”.

“Blueway idea is absolutely fantastic”.

“Great facility to drive business and tourism locally”.

“We are delighted to see the Blueway proposal”.

“Very much in favour of this exciting project”.

“Once in a lifetime project to showcase what can be done to promote tourism in Leitrim”.

A Positive 2021 for the Carrick Blueway

As we approach the end of the year, we can reflect back on a positive start on the journey in the development of the proposed Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway. Much as been achieved since work on the planning phases started in March of this year.

Phase 1 of the Planning Stage, Concept and Feasibility was completed on programme within three months of project start. The Study Area was determined, this project website launched and following a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and successful public consultation, seven alternative routes were selected for further evaluation. These routes were presented to the public at an Open Day in the Bush Hotel in November which was part of the second public consultation phase. It was great to meet with members of the public on the day and to hear their views on the various options. Important “nuggets” of really beneficial information was gleaned from residents and landowners along the routes and the Project Team is very grateful for the openness with which this information was shared.

A high-level topographical survey of the Study Area was undertaken by drone. The degree of technology available through drone surveys is amazing and with the added bonus of being able to provide extensive aerial photography of the overall Study Area.

Looking forward to 2022, the Project Team is actively working on a Route Options Report which will reduce the number of route options from seven to three. Following another round of stakeholder engagement, the project will progress to Public Consultation No. 3, likely to be in March, and which will be on the Preferred Route Option.

We look forward with confidence to another successful year for the Carrick to Battlebridge Blueway in 2022 and to having a preferred route to proceed to more detailed design and environmental evaluation.

Conor McCarthy, Director of Jennings O’Donovan and Project Manager for the Carrick to Battlebridge Blueway Project

Completion of Public Consultation No. 2

We are delighted to announce the successful completion on Wednesday November 24, 2021 of the second public consultation for the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Project. This represents a most important milestone in the overall progression of the planning phase for the proposed Blueway. We would like to thank all those members of the public who attended the Open Day in the Bush Hotel and for sharing their thoughts on the various route options. We would also like to thank everyone who returned the questionnaire either on-line, by post or indeed in person at the Bush Hotel on the Open Day. All your comments and opinions are important and of interest to the Project Team. Your views will be considered by the Team as we move on to the next phase, the preparation of an Options Selection Report leading to an emerging preferred route for the Blueway.

Thank you all again and we look forward to engaging with you all again at the next public consultation when we will be presenting the proposed preferred route.

November 2021:

Jennings O'Donovan Project Team photographed at the Public Consultation No.2 Open Day for the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway at the Bush Hotel on Thursday, November 11, 2021

October 2021:

The second non-statutory public consultation will take place from 2pm on Wednesday 27th October 2021 to 5pm Wednesday 24th November 2021. The purpose of this consultation is to examine and receive feedback on the route options developed, and to assist in the process of identifying a Preferred Route Option

September 2021:

PUBLIC CONSULTATION - Views on the need for the Blueway project were invited from the public, stakeholders and other interested parties. A tremendous response was received with almost 100 submissions. An overwhelming majority of the public expressed the need for the Blueway, many referencing the benefit for tourism in Leitrim. The clear expectation of the public is that the Blueway route be along or near the River Shannon. Leitrim County Council believes the outcome of this first public consultation to be extremely positive for the Blueway project. Further information on the public consultation is available through the following link

Consultation No.3

The Third Public Consultation (Public Consultation No. 3) ran from July 20, 2022 to August 19, 2022, and consultation documentation was delivered to 2,364 residential and 924 commercial addresses identified in the Study Area which had been expanded for Public Consultation No. 2 was completed on July 18 & 19, 2022. In addition, an Open Day for members of the Public to meet with the Project Team and to give feedback regarding the preferred Route Option was held in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon on Thursday, August 4, 2022.

The purpose of the Third Public Consultation was to outline the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor to the public, stakeholders and interested parties and to invite them to examine the proposal and to give their feedback to assist in the process of developing that route within the corridor. Respondents were also invited to provide any other information about the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor that would inform the project team on developing a route within the corridor.

Submissions could be made on the Feedback Form by post, on-line, or by email by Friday, August 19, 2022. A report on the outcome of the Third Public Consultation can be viewed here:

• Third Public Consultation report

In summary, the outcome of the Third Public Consultation was positive for the proposed Blueway with the majority of respondents saying they would use it and respondents indicating the benefit for tourism in Leitrim.

The views of the public from the Third Public Consultation will be taken into account in the next stage of the project, consideration of the final route option for the proposed Blueway within the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor.

Feedback Received

“The proposed Blueway will be a marvellous amenity to the area”

“Proposed corridor looks good”

“I welcome this development very much and consider it good investment in the area for tourism”

Now Completed - see News

Similar to the previous consultations, the third public consultation is taking place by postal delivery of consultation material to residential and commercial premises within the study area. The consultation material includes an information booklet with an outline of the emerging preferred route corridor and a feedback form with a stamped addressed envelope for return. All consultation material can also be viewed by clicking on the following links:

• Public Consultation No.3- Information Booklet
• Public Consultation No.3- Feedback Form hardcopy
• Public Consultation No.3- Feedback Form Online
• Public Consultation No.3- Emerging Preferred Route Corridor
• Public Consultation No.3- Book of Emerging Preferred Route Corridor – Layout Plans
• Public Consultation No.3- Indicative Blueway Sections

There will be a separate Open Day in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon on August 4th 2022 from 10am to 8pm for members of the public to meet the project team and to give feedback regarding the emerging preferred route corridor. The purpose of this consultation is to examine and receive feedback on the emerging preferred route corridor and to assist in the process of developing a route within the corridor. Submissions or observations can be made online or by post/email to the following address:

Post: Jennings O’Donovan & Partners Limited, Finisklin Business Park, Sligo.

Email: carrickblueway@jodireland.com

Online: Feedback Form Online

The project team values your opinion on the project and welcomes comment from the public, stakeholders and interested parties.

The closing date for submissions is 5pm Friday 19th August 2022

Consultation No.2

The Second Public Consultation (Public Consultation No. 2) ran from October 27, 2021 to November 24, 2021, and consultation documentation was delivered to 2,364 residential and 924 commercial addresses within the Study Area as well as to stakeholders and interested parties. In addition, an Open Day was held on November 11, 2021, where members of the public met with the Project Team and to give feedback regarding the various Route Options.

The purpose of the Second Public Consultation was to outline the seven route options in the Study Area to the public, stakeholders and interested parties and to invite them to give their feedback on those seven route options to assist in the process of identifying a Preferred Route option.

Submissions were to be made on the Feedback Form and returned by post or by email by Wednesday November 24, 2021. A report on the outcome of the Second Public Consultation can be viewed here

• Second Public Consultation report

In summary, the outcome of the Second Public Consultation was positive for the proposed Blueway with the majority of respondents saying they would use it and respondents indicating the benefit for tourism in Leitrim. The expectation of the majority of respondents was that the route of the proposed Blueway will be along or near the River Shannon.

The views of the public from the Second Public Consultation will be taken into account in the consideration of the final route option for the proposed Blueway.

Now Completed - see News

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the second public consultation is taking place by postal delivery of consultation material to residential and commercial premises within the study area. The consultation material includes an information booklet with an outline of the proposed route options and a feedback form with a stamped addressed envelope for return.
All consultation material, including proposed route options, can also be viewed by clicking on the following links:

• Public Consultation No.2- Information Booklet
• Public Consultation No.2- Feedback Form hardcopy
• Public Consultation No.2- Feedback Form Online
• Public Consultation No.2- Overall Route Options
• Public Consultation No.2- Book of Individual Route Options

The purpose of this second non-statutory public consultation is to examine and receive feedback on the route options developed, and to assist in the process of identifying a Preferred Route Option. The feedback form can be returned together with any submissions or observations to Jennings O’Donovan. Alternatively, submissions or observations made can be made by email or online.

Post:
Jennings O’Donovan & Partners Limited,
Finisklin Business Park,
Sligo.

Email: carrickblueway@jodireland.com
Online: Feedback Form (online version)

The project team values your opinion on the project and welcomes comment from the public, stakeholders and interested parties.

The closing date for submissions is 5pm Wednesday 24th November 2021

Consultation No.1

The First Public Consultation (Public Consultation No. 1) ran from June 2 to June 25, 2021, and the following documentation was sent to residential and commercial properties within the study area, stakeholders and other interested parties.

• Public Consultation No.1	Cover Letter
• Public Consultation No.1	Leaflet
• Public Consultation No.1	Feedback Form
• Public Consultation No.1	Study Area Map

The purpose of the First Public Consultation was to outline the Study Area to the c and to invite them to give their views and opinions on the project and in particular the following items:

• Need for the project
• Possible routes that should be considered
• Locations, attractions or facilities in the locality that could be attractive to blueway users or would benefit from a blueway
• Constraints or barriers to a blueway in the area
• Any information which they would like the project team to consider

Submissions were to be made on the Feedback Form and returned by post or by email by Friday June 25, 2021. A report on the outcome of the First Public Consultation can be viewed under publications.
In summary, the outcome of the First Public Consultation is positive for the proposed Blueway with the majority of respondents saying there was a need for the project and respondents indicating the benefit for tourism in Leitrim. The expectation of respondents is that the route of the proposed Blueway will be along or near the River Shannon. The views of the public from the First Public Consultation will be taken into account in the next stage of the project, consideration of route corridor options for the proposed Blueway.

Positive Responses Received During Consultation No.1

“The proposed blueway will be a great amenity to the area”

“…will help promote Leitrim as a tourist destination…”

“…will make Leitrim Village an attractive place to live, works, do business and visit..”

Publications

The following publications are available to download:

• Public Consultation No.1- Leaflet
• Public Consultation No.1- Feedback Form
• Public Consultation No.1- Study Area Map
• Public Consultation No.1- Feedback Summary
• Public Consultation No.1- Report

Proposal & Objectives

Aim

The proposed project should, in a practical manner, contribute to the sustainability of the localities along and surrounding the Blueway by consolidating and enhancing the activity tourism offering and presenting those localities as attractive places to live, work, do business and visit. Users and visitors’ expectations will be met through a quality experience.

Proposal

Leitrim County Council is proposing to develop a Blueway along the route of the River Shannon from Carrick-on-Shannon to Leitrim Village and on to Battlebridge. The proposed Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway will provide a high-quality cyclist and pedestrian Blueway route between Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim Village and Battlebridge Lock. The Blueway will provide recreational experiences for tourists and the local community using the existing natural assets and will act as an economic stimulus in the area, county and the region. Starting at Corryolus to the north west of Carrick-on-Shannon, the Blueway will follow the route of the River Shannon northward for a length of some 8km ending approximately 1km west of Leitrim Village at Battlebridge Lock Gates. A map of the proposed study area is enclosed.

Principal Objective

To provide a high-quality cyclist and pedestrian Blueway route along or close to the River Shannon between Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim Village and Battlebridge Lock, transformative in its nature and scale, which will enhance Carrick-on-Shannon as one of the key destinations on the River Shannon.

Secondary Objective

•To improve the attraction of the river corridor through a recreational cycle and pedestrian route.
• To provide recreational experiences using the natural assets of the area.
• To improve connectivity between Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Village.
• To increase and promote the amenity value of the River Shannon.
• To promote the historical, cultural and heritage value of the area.
• To increase the accessibility of the area to locals and visitors alike.
• To support economic opportunities for the surrounding rural areas.

Address

Jennings O’Donovan & Partners Limited
Finisklin Business Park,
Sligo.

E-mail