​Waterway Channels & Bridge Races To Be Cleaned

Sen. Aisling Dolan at Slí an h'Abhainn

Senator Aisling Dolan has welcomed work from Galway County Council to clear the overgrowth along the River Suck waterways in the town centre which is starting shortly.

The Senator has worked with the team in Ballinasloe Municipal District to get the Slí na hAbhainn water channel that goes along the park opposite the marina dredged and cleaned up.  

It is a fantastic green space with walkways along the river and incredible Elizabethan bridge arches – it is a jewel in Ballinasloe, although a dusty jewel at the moment and completely covered in overgrowth.

The Slí na hAbhainn channel forms part of the Suck Drainage District and these works will involve the removal of vegetation, silt, litter, and other waste from the channel from Bridge Street to the Marina.

The Fine Gael Senator added: “When works begin in the coming weeks it will transform Slí na hAbhainn park and it’s perfect for a 10-minute walk around town, for people shopping or visiting, it is an ideal place for families to enjoy this park as they stroll around Ballinasloe which is looking so well after the Shopfront Enhancement Scheme.

It is also crucial especially as we are coming into the winter months. This section of the river channel close to St Michael’s Square has been prone to flooding and it is essential to keep the waterways clear. Many residents love this park and were in touch with Senator Dolan last year on how to improve the area.

This is also the location of the new bus station in town, and the Senator believes it would be fantastic to develop a playground and skating park in the area.

For many people bypassing the town, around by the Marina and the Shearwater Hotel, this is their first impression of Ballinasloe along by Slí na hAbhainn park.
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Aisling Dolan stated: “There is so much potential to highlight the arches of the impressive fifteenth-century Elizabethan bridge and light up this section. Our local engineers have let me know that they plan to conduct a feasibility study of the bridges.”

​“Ballinasloe is looking its best and everyone can feel the community pride when visitors walk around and complement our town”, concluded the Senator.