A solution to the controversial closure of a pathway near Renmore Barracks could be in sight with the Defence Forces and Galway City Council expected to meet on the issue.
The planned meeting has been welcomed as a “step in the right direction towards resolving this issue”, by Fianna Fáil Galway West TD, John Connolly.
The pathway allowed for access to the railway line path from Liam Mellows Hurling Club and was used by many locals in the Renmore area as a convenient route.
However, the path strays onto lands belonging to Dún Uí Mhaelíosa (Renmore Barracks ), which led to the Defence Forces closing the pathway to prevent unauthorised access to military property and to protect its personnel, equipment, and sensitive information.
Residents in that part of Renmore were disappointed and frustrated by the closure and efforts have been ongoing, among all concerned with the issue, to re-open the path.
Dep John Connolly raised the issue in Dáil Éireann with the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, and asked if the pedestrian walkway could be reopened.
In response, Tánaiste Harris said the Department of Defence and Galway City Council have been engaging “extensively and positively” on proposals for a “permeability route” which allows access to “part of the roadway which travels along the northeast of Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa Barracks before crossing the bridge immediately in front of the barracks entrance”.
Tánaiste Harris told Dep Connolly a meeting has been arranged between the Army and the council to “progress matters”. It is understood the main concerns are pedestrian safety, continued access to the defence facilities, and the security of the barracks.
“I welcome the news that the Defence Forces and Galway City Council are exploring solutions to this issue,” said Dep Connolly. “It marks progress being made, and I encourage all sides to continue to work towards a solution that will meet the security concerns of our Defence Forces and allow local residents access to the pathway once more.”
