Ideas to invest in Longford's River Shannon to boost tourism potential

A local councillor has called on Longford County Council to develop the Town Park in Lanesboro for residents and tourists as well as improving access to the Shannon for swimmers and activities such as kayaking, fishing, canoeing and triathlons.

Fianna Fáil's Sean Mimnagh submitted a motion to the recent meeting of Ballymahon Municipal District and it was seconded by Cllr Mick Cahill and it was well supported.

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The local representative stated there are four areas of the project that could be developed which include the Town Park and he noted the local tidy towns committee engaged a Landscape designer to prepare a plan and this has been completed.

Cllr Mimnagh also pointed out the lower path along the Shannon from the bridge towards the slipway is damaged and it needs to be replaced.

He also stated dedicated permanent access for swimmers and triathletes into the Shannon and a wheelchair accessible canoe/kayak platform is needed.

"The Shannon here in Lanesboro is one of our greatest assets and it's time that we invest in it really for the benefit of everybody, locals and visitors and future generations," he added.

"Lanesboro lost out badly there from the national Just Transition period with the ESB and Bord na Móna [established to support the Midlands region as it transitions to a low-carbon economy] and I have a vision to try and drive the place towards tourism.

"Down there at the Town Park there is a plan that is drawn up for it and it's a matter of trying to get the council to come in behind me and support it and try and move it on a bit.”

Cllr Mimnagh said there is anticipation ahead of the Two Provinces Triathlon in Lanesboro on July 12 and athletes from across the country will compete.

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"The Triathlon club and the kids are swimming down there all of the time, there are anglers and wheelchair users and it's a development that can serve everybody," he added.

Cllr Mimnagh said it is an ambitious project with an estimated cost of €1.5 million and he believes the planning process will take a good bit of time due to the location and the riverbank.

"After the motion went through I got good support.

"The motion was discussed with the Director of Services John Brannigan and it aligns with the strategic aims and objectives of the tourism strategy for Longford," he added.