What’s in a name? In terms of tourism branding, a lot. The debate over naming the 30km greenway in North Meath has erupted at Meath County Council.
Councillor Eugene Cassidy, believes the name “Boyne Valley to Lakelands” is already established in people’s minds and should not be changed.
Councillor Padraig Fitzsimons, supports naming the greenway “The Columban Way” due to its historical significance.
The greenway follows the old railway line from Navan to Kingscourt, passing through various towns like Kilberry, Wilkinstown, Castletown Kilpatrick, Nobber, and Kilmainhamwood.
Councillor Fitzsimons highlights the connection between Navan and Bobbio in Northern Italy, where an abbey was established by Saint Columbanus in 614, making “The Columban Way” a fitting name.
The name “Columban Way” would associate Meath with the Camino pilgrimage walkways in Europe and their strong branding that attracts visitors for personal meditation and tourism.
Cllr Cassidy argues that the greenway is already named “Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway” and has been referred to as such by Meath Tourism and displayed on official maps. “Numerous applications for funding were made but all were refused. We met four ministers, two of them twice – none of them were interested. For years there has been thousands of phone calls and thousands of letters as regards this greenway. “Leave the name as it is. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
Council official Des Foley said that there was a group set up in Ireland looking at the Columban Way from Carlow to Bangor. The route would run from Carlow to Bangor but part of it would go through Meath starting at Clonard. Cllr Fitzsimons said he would withdraw his motion for the moment
St Columbus gave the first great judgement in world history on branding and copyright law. Maybe he should be consulted.
