Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
325. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up to date position with the development of the Barrow Blueway project in south County Kildare and County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25498/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2019, funding of €5m was awarded under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to Waterways Ireland and its partners, Kildare and Laois County Councils to progress the Barrow Blueway from Lowtown to Athy.
Waterways Ireland commenced construction of the Barrow Blueway in early August 2020.
The construction work is being undertaken by Waterways Ireland’s direct labour workforce. Two teams are working on the project, one starting at Milltown Bridge heading north and the other starting at Ballyteague heading south. At present both teams have constructed approximately 1.5km of pathway each.
Work in the Laois area is expected to start in mid-October 2020.
In partnership with Waterways Ireland Kildare County council have advertised tenders for the detailed designs of road crossings and junction improvements. This tender is to be returned in early October and work is expected to commence on site in the spring of 2021.
