Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2019
273. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the blueway development projects which will be progressed in 2019; the funding for each project; the timescale for the development of each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8731/19]
View answerWaterways Ireland commenced the development of Blueways as a means to attract new visitors to use the waterways, recognising changes in recreational activity with the growth in demand for activities such as walking, canoeing, cycling and stand up paddle boarding, on and beside the water in a comfortable, safe environment.
Waterways Ireland is continuing to support and expand the existing network of Blueway trails across its waterways, including the Shannon Blueway, the Shannon-Erne Blueway, the Lough Derg Blueway and the Mullingar Blueway on the Royal Canal.
In 2019 the following Blueway development projects will progress, subject to additional third party funding being made available (together with Waterways Ireland match funded share).
|
Project / Timeline |
3rd Party (€) |
Waterways Ireland (€) |
|
Shannon Blueway Acres Lake to Lough Allen1.8km of Blueway trail with associated signage and interpretative panels. The pathway will connect the existing Blueway with the Lough Allen Hotel and the Education centre, with a new pedestrian bridge across the Millrace River. The development also includes new car parking facilities, pedestrian crossings and new safe access and egress points on and off the Blueway trails. Approximately 50% of the overall works is complete to date, and the anticipated completion of the overall project is April 2019. |
305,000 |
76,800 |
|
Blueway Leitrim Village to Kilclare Trail DevelopmentThe detailed design process for the trail is currently underway and the tender and award of the contract will take place in 2019, with commencement of construction towards the end of 2019. |
648,000 |
162,000 |
|
Blueway Ballyconnell to Bellaheady Bridge Trail DevelopmentThe on road works section will be completed in 2019. The detailed design process for the off-road section is currently underway and the tender and award of the contract will take place in 2019, with commencement of construction of this section towards the end of year. |
1,118,235 |
124,500 |
*Third party funding comprises funds provided through relevant Local Authorities, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
