Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2017
65. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the way recreational tourism projects such as the development of blueways and greenways can benefit rural towns and villages in the context of the Action Plan for Rural Development, with specific reference to plans for a blueway in south County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4185/17]
View answerTourism is of key importance to the economic wellbeing of rural Ireland and the sector supports many thousands of jobs in rural areas. The Action Plan for Rural Development recognises the further growth potential that tourism presents for rural communities. It sets out 50 distinct actions designed to maximise our rural tourism and recreation potential.
These actions will support the objective of rejuvenating Ireland’s rural towns and villages by developing and promoting the expansion of activity tourism in rural areas, including through the development of Blueways and Greenways.
For example, my Department funded part of the Shannon - Erne Blueway development under the Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) pilot in 2015. Launched in June 2016, the Shannon-Erne Blueway is bringing tourism to the rural areas of Cavan, Leitrim, Longford and Roscommon, connecting 22 towns and villages located alongside the River Shannon and the Shannon-Erne Waterway, through the Blueway.
In addition to this, my Department provided funding to Waterways Ireland in 2016 via the Rural Recreation Scheme to develop a critical link in the walking and cycling element of the Blueway by linking the existing 14km of looped walks to the facilities and services at Acres lake and Drumshanbo town in Leitrim, through the development of an iconic boardwalk.
Such developments can and do support economic development in the towns, villages and hinterlands along the route by providing leisure activities not only for visitors, but also for people who live and work in the vicinity. The Action Plan for Rural Development aims to build on these initiatives and replicate their success in attracting visitors to rural towns and villages.
With regard to specific plans for a blueway in south County Kildare, as I understand it, the Deputy may be referring to the Barrow Way, which runs through County Kildare. I am advised that just last week, Waterways Ireland submitted a planning application for development of this way, including a Blueway element along the Grand Canal.
