A survey about plans for a new North Down coastal greenway path has indicated locals broadly support proposals, despite opposition from a local group warning about tensions between cyclists and pedestrians as well as loss of trees.
Ards and North Down Council carried out additional public engagement last year after the consultation on plans for a new North Down greenway, by commissioning the company Social Market Research to conduct a survey on public feeling about the Kinnegar to Donaghadee section of the project.
The council states: “The proposed greenway aims to enhance and extend the existing North Down Coastal path and to provide linkage between Holywood and Donaghadee. The maximum width of any part of a new path will be four metres, with most no more than three metres. In many areas the path is already this width. “
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At the council’s recent Community and Wellbeing Committee, elected representatives were shown the results of the study, which involved a survey of 404 residents, and interviews with 108 users of the existing North Down Coastal Path.
40 percent of residents were found to be aware of the council’s proposals for the greenway, with 76 percent being supportive of the proposals, and 79 percent seeing the development as “positive for the area.”
76 percent of the residents said they used the existing path, and the same amount said they were satisfied with the existing path. 85 percent said they would use the path if it was developed.
The council report states: “This research shows that a majority of residents, and existing users of the North Down Coastal Path, are supportive of the council’s proposal to develop a coastal path/greenway from Kinnegar Holywood to Donaghadee. Moreover, most residents and current path users see the council's proposal as being a positive development for the area.
“If the coastal path were to be developed in line with the council’s proposal, the research suggests that there will be increased use among residents, with almost all current users saying they too would use the path.”
However, the group 'For Another Path' have set up a petition against the council’s plans for the greenway, which has to date gained 3,265 e-signatures. They are calling for the council to “go back to the drawing board” and create a totally different path for cyclists.
The group states: “Ards and North Down Councillors are considering an application to widen and adapt our coastal path to enable greatly increased cycling numbers, encouraging cyclists to commute to Belfast. Hundreds of walkers and leisure cyclists already share and enjoy the North Down Coastal Path every day but these plans would destroy its natural character and have a devastating impact on the marine environment and the experience of people on the path.
“If approved, the planning application would widen the path by tree felling, increasing tarmac cover and adding costly concrete and metal bridges. Almost worse than this, it short-changes the cyclists it is meant to serve who want to commute quickly and safely by bike.
“The proposed route is long, indirect and cyclists will have to look out for and give way to pedestrians. Rather than delivering top-quality cycle lanes (as near Carrickfergus), the council has planned a fast ‘mini-road’ that will permanently spoil the spirit of natural wildness at the heart of the coastal path’s appeal to the community.
“Tensions between cyclists and walkers are already being expressed. Our aim is to reduce this and find a solution that works for everyone who loves the path.
“We are a group of individuals who love the path. Some like walking, some prefer cycling and some do both. It is not simply a ‘route’; it is a place where people can replenish their mental health while taking gentle exercise.
“We believe a solution must have twin goals: to preserve the coastal path in all its natural beauty and to provide for cyclists to go at speed, unimpeded, on a more appropriate inland route.”
The proposed greenway begins at Airport Road West in Kinnegar Holywood and ends at the Commons Park in Donaghadee. The 31.5km route mostly follows the existing North Down Coastal Path from Kinnegar to Bangor and then the A2 to Donaghadee.
41 percent of the existing path is to be widened, mostly to three metres, but also to four metres at the high traffic points of Ballyholme Promenade, Helen’s Bay Beach, Crawfordsburn Beach and Seapark, Holywood. It will also be widened to four metres at a pedestrian/cycle bridge at Royal Belfast Golf Club and across the ravine at Grey Point Fort an elevated boardwalk at Grey Point Fort.
There will be public information meetings to discuss the proposed greenway on Monday January 23rd at Donaghadee Community Centre, on Tuesday January 24th at the council chamber, Town Hall, Bangor, and on Wednesday February 1st at the Queens Leisure Complex, Holywood. All meetings will take place from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
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