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Waterways Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Ceisteanna (547)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

547. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Kildare. [1818/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The project mentioned by the Deputy is a significant initiative which will support communities, and create exciting opportunities for recreation and ways to experience interesting places from new perspectives.    

Project updates are published regularly by Kildare County Council on its website.  

Waterways Ireland was granted planning permission for the development of the existing towpath from Lowtown to Athy, a distance of approximately 46km in 2019.

The project objectives are to:

(1) Provide upgraded and new physical infrastructure in accordance with planning permission;

(2) Provision of infrastructure to achieve ‘Accredited Blueway’ status for the route; and

(3) Co-ordinate marketing activity to maximise the potential of the Blueway.

Work commenced on site in the late summer of 2020 with completion of works by Waterways Ireland expected in late 2022.

To ensure the Barrow Navigation remains navigable and as accessible as possible into the future, Waterways Ireland's priorities include the delivery of the 46km Blueway route from Lowtown to Athy in partnership with Kildare and Laois County Councils and the development and approval of a five-year strategic maintenance programme to the planning authorities.

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