Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
419. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up-to-date position with the provision of infrastructure (details supplied) in County Kildare; the current status of it; the scheduled finish date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26255/23]
View answerThe Barrow Blueway Project is a significant initiative, which will support communities and create exciting opportunities for recreation and ways to experience interesting places from new perspectives.
Waterways Ireland obtained planning permission for the entire Barrow Blueway Project including the canal side works and the roadside works from Lowtown to Athy, a distance of approximately 46km. Kildare County Council is the Project Manager for the Barrow Blueway Project and is responsible for the overall project delivery.
The project objectives are to:
Provide upgraded and new physical infrastructure in accordance with planning permission:
The provision of infrastructure to achieve ‘Accredited Blueway’ status for the route: and
Co-ordinate marketing activity to maximise the potential of the Blueway.
Waterways Ireland is responsible for the delivery of the canal side works elements only. To date they have completed 32.9km of towpath, a further 3.5km canal side works is currently under construction with an expected completion date of the mid-2023.
Kildare County Council publishes project updates regularly on its website www.kildarecoco.ie.
