Opening of Siúl Na Manach Greenway

Dromiskin Tidy Towns was delighted have brought the Siúl na Manach Greenway project to a successful conclusion with the official opening on Saturday 3rd May. This community-led

initiative has transformed a disused public space into a vibrant, accessible and environmentally rich greenway for all to enjoy.

The official opening ceremony was a moment of celebration and gratitude, with special thanks extended to the local community, Louth County Council and all volunteers and supporters who contributed to the success of the project.

The Chairperson of Dromiskin Tidy Town highlighted the collaborative approach that brought this project to a successful conclusion including landowners, the Hand Family and, through Fr. Gerry Campbell PP, the Diocese of Armagh.

The project was awarded a grant of €113,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) and thanks was extended to Louth County Council who were represented by the Vice Chairman Cllr John Reilly, Cllr Sean Kelly, Chairperson of Dundalk Municipal District and Chief Executive David Conway. Also among the large attendance were a number of local Councillors as well as Oireachtas members.

In his address to the large attendance, Cllr John Reilly was fulsome in his praise for the work carried out by Dromiskin Tidy Towns to increase the amenity value of the village while respecting its rich and varied heritage. He was delighted that Louth County Council was able to support the funding application that allowed the project to be implemented.

Local resident Kevin Halpenny who designed and project managed Siúl na Manach, was able to highlight for guests the benefits of such an amenity including for recreational potential, safe walking to school and pollinator value through the planting of native hedging and a variety of fruit trees along the route. Kevin also referenced the fact that this new section of Greenway provides safe connectivity between two public parks, also developed and managed by Dromiskin Tidy Towns, that make Dromiskin the only village in Ireland to have two Global Community Green Flags for the development and maintenance of public spaces entirely by volunteers.

The committee were especially honoured to welcome Mairéad McGuinness, former EU Commissioner and proud daughter of County Louth, as Guest of Honour. Mairéad’s presence

added great significance to the occasion, and she is thanked sincerely for her time, her words of encouragement and her continued support for rural and community development. Mairéad is no stranger to Dromiskin and was able to note the significant improvements since her last visit including the development of Ginnety’s Pond Nature Park, which she noted, combined with its linked amenities, contributed to increased wellbeing for all in the area. Mairéad also emphasised that the sharing, supportive and collaborative approach to the delivery of the Tidy Towns programme in Dromiskin could serve as an example for all to follow in political and

community life.

The Siúl na Manach Greenway—named to reflect the rich spiritual and historical heritage of the area represents a coming together of people, nature, and history. It is a space for walking, reflection, and recreation so it was fitting that Fr. Gerry Campbell should confirm how pleased he was to work with the community to assist its development and to bless the new amenity as it opens for use by the public. Partnership is key to the implementation of the Tidy Towns programme in Dromiskin, which is delivered on an age friendly basis so the relatively new partnership between the Tidy Towns and Darver / Dromiskin Foroige Club is seen as extremely important to the success of both organisations. A number of the young members of the Foroige group were in attendance and took the opportunity to recite a poem celebrating the completion of the project. They were also delighted to be able to showcase a mosaic that they had worked on over the last number of months and which will be installed on permanent

display in Ginnety’s Pond Nature Park given its design incorporates ducks who reside in the Nature Park.

As Mairéad cut the ribbon, in the presence of invited guests, the community looks ahead with pride and optimism, confident that the Siúl na Manach Greenway will shine as a beacon of sustainability, wellness and community spirit.