The Royal Canal Greenway, at 130km and the longest
greenway in Ireland, has officially opened after a €12 million boost to the
project.
The facility runs through Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford and has been developed by Waterways Ireland and the local authorities in the four counties and is based off the route of the historic canal, which is 225 years old.
The greenway, which has just officially opened, is the former towpath for barges and features 90 bridges, 33 locks, 17 harbours and four aqueducts.
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“We are delighted to launch the Royal Canal Greenway, a
game changer for outdoor tourism, and leisure in Ireland and part of a growing
network of greenways we will fund over the lifetime of this government,” said
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD (Greens).
The chief executive of Kildare County Council, Peter
Carey said the greenway would be “transformative” for the region, for both
businesses and communities alike.
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“The Greenway currently starts in Maynooth, a vibrant
university town and continues through to Kilcock and further afield. Given its
close proximity to Dublin, and being well connected by rail and road, we look
forward to welcoming visitors to experience the Greenway, once safe to travel
again.”
Because of current restrictions relating to Covid-19
people can only use sections of the greenway that are located within 5km of
their homes.
The Royal Canal Greenway also forms part of EuroVelo 2, a
5,000km “Capitals Route” that passes through Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands,
Germany, Poland, Belarus and Russia and there are plans to bring it right into
Spencer Dock in Dublin’s north inner city.
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