Save the Barrow line

Open The Barrow Way for all

It’s about Employment, Keeping rural Ireland alive, Access for all.

We are writing to you to express our support for the restoration of The Barrow line from Athy to St Mullins and the creation of Jobs for the young people in towns along the river. Waterways Ireland are submitting a plan for this restoration which has wide spread support in the area .This development of the Barrow path which is a National asset will be a life line to South County Carlow where tourism is in its infancy .Employment has collapsed from Carlow to St Mullins , we need our river path restored to provide Jobs for the area. We run a very busy Coffee shop on The Barrow tow path and when we explain to our customers i.e. Walkers, Cyclists, Canoeists, Tourists what is planned for the path they are overwhelming in favour.

The Green Way in the West of Ireland has shown that when you provide infrastructure a path off road with a good surface that the tourists will come. Businesses will open Bike Hire Hostels, Hotels, B&B and local shops will flourish. Ask any shop keeper in Westport, Mulranny  Newport in the west how their business are going and they will tell you the effect of the Green Way .Do nothing with the Barrow line and this area is condemned to decay.

1. Commercially The Blue Way is a fantastic opportunity for the Counties of Carlow Kilkenny, Laois and Kildare and all the villages along the line, it’s about jobs for the people that live in the area.
2. There are large number of over 60’s who have hips, knees, feet gone who will happily cycle or walk along a level surface and experience the wonderful Barrow River. The elderly and not sure of foot find the current surface difficult.
3. People in Wheel chairs are currently unable to use the Barrow line due to the surface yet it is the most ideal path for them in that it has a very low gradient.
4. Young mothers with Buggy’s are excluded from using the path because of the surface.
5. What is unique about the Barrow path is the low gradient and man-made surface which would be suitable for all abilities to walk by the river
6. There wonderful walks in County Carlow ,Kilkenny however none bar the Barrow track are suitable for people with any physical disability.
7. With a level surface families with children could cycle off road and in safety .
8. The History associated with the Barrow River is enormous Churches Castles Bridges can now be seen by the visitor at their leisure.
9. Our small villages are dying, this development is a unique opportunity to bring them back to life, and the restored Barrow Way can provide Jobs for the next generation.
10. Carlow town is 1hour from Dublin this development is an opportunity to capture that market
11. Now Failte Ireland will have a product to sell to Europe as a quality Cycle and walking path by the river that is suitable for those with disabilities as well as the robust and able-bodied.
12. St Mullins is the most used section of the Barrow line we would like to share this success from Athy to St Mullins .

Martin & Emer O’Brien

The Old Grain Store Self-Catering Cottages and The Mullicháin Café, St Mullins