It’s been called a “game changer” by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan.
Ireland’s newest Greenway along the Royal Canal has officially opened today.
It will be the longest Greenway in Ireland stretching 130km along the historic canal and will take travellers through Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford.
The project cost €12 million to complete and follows the path of the old canal which features 90 bridges, 33 locks, 17 harbours and four aqueducts.
“We are delighted to launch the Royal Canal Greenway, a game changer for outdoor tourism and leisure in Ireland,” Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said.
“As Ireland’s longest Greenway, stretching from towns of Maynooth, Enfield, Mullingar, Longford and Cloondara, the Royal Canal Greenway has huge potential to serve as a haven for so many looking to get out and get active,” he added.
The Royal Canal is over 200 years old but officially closed back in 1960.
The public are advised if they wish to make use of this facility, they must abide by the current public health restrictions.
Late last year, the Government confirmed over €63 million in funding for Greenway projects across 13 counties.
The largest allocation of funding will be €10 million towards the Midleton to Youghal Greenway in Cork.
Other projects to benefit from significant funding are the Waterford to New Ross Greenway (€9.8 million) and the Greenway bridge across the River Shannon in Athlone as part of the Galway to Dublin Greenway (€8.1 million).
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