Wildlife group says upgrading Barrow pathway would destroy rare butterfly habitats

A wildlife group says they’re very concerned by plans to upgrade the Barrow towpath.

Butterfly Conservation Ireland is the latest group to add its voice to calls for the grass pathway to be left as it is.

Waterways Ireland are looking to lay down a cycle-track along the river from St Mullins in Carlow to Lowtown in Kildare.

However, this wildlife group says the Barrow path is one of the best places in the country to see some of Ireland’s rarest Butterfly species.

Speaking to KCLR News, Jesmond Harding from the conservation group says damage has already been done to habitats along the river in Kildare.