Doherty welcomes significant progress on Boyne Valley to Lakelands County Greenway

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) warmly welcomed progress on developing the Boyne Valley to Lakelands County Greenway, stating that the project has taken a significant step forward with the approval of a Part 8 scheme by Meath County Council.

“I am really excited about this project, which will see the disused Navan to Kingscourt railway line being redeveloped as a Greenway for walkers and cyclists. The route would run for 30km from the Boyne Valley in Navan to Kingscourt in Cavan, passing through a number of towns and villages including Kilberry, Wilkinstown, Castletown, Nobber and Kilmainham. The project would not only create a wonderful amenity for local residents, it also has the potential to attract large numbers of extra tourists into the region.

“The benefits of the Greenway for the local population are obvious; it would make it easier for local people to get out and about, whether it’s by foot or by bike, it would encourage the establishment of local walking groups and it has the capacity to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the surrounding population.

“The additional tourism revenues which could be generated thanks to the project are considerable. The establishment of the Greenway will not only help to attract more visitors into the area, it will greatly increase the average spend of tourists while they are here. It’s estimated that it could generate an extra €6 million in spending for the local economy, which would be a huge boost to businesses in the area.

“The Greenway is expected to cost €2.5 million in total, or about €68,000 per kilometre. In my view, this would be a very worthwhile and cost effective form of investment in the local economy, and I intend to raise the issue with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, in a bid to secure funding.

“The approval of a Part 8 scheme by Meath County Council is a significant step forward for this project, and I hope swift progress can be made in the coming months to make this wonderful idea a reality.”

ENDS