Cllr. Mark Hackett and I have today welcomed the allocation of over €3.9million for the County Offaly stretch of the Grand Canal Greenway.
Cllr. Mark Hackett and I on Offaly Grand Canal Greenway
This is part of a wider announcement of €5.9 million for Offaly as part of the funding allocations for national roads and greenways throughout the country by Minister Eamon Ryan and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
The Grand Canal Greenway is a County Offaly treasure of national significance and this allocation is proof that this Government continues to recognise its value by investing in its ongoing development.
The Greenway contributes to the economic growth of both rural and urban areas of the County, promoting local business, tourism and activity-based holidays. On its own, the Greenway is a fantastic amenity that spans the County, but it also extends access to other trails and facilities, like historic sites, and other existing and developing outdoor activities. Today’s allocation also compliments the EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism Scheme which is open now and which County Offaly is primed and ready to benefit from.
Offaly Grand Canal projects funded under the 2024 allocations are, as follows;
Daingean to Edenderry 700,000
Daingean to Tullamore & Henesy's Br. to Turraun 35,000
Kilbeggan Link 250,000
Leabeg to Boora 450,000
Shannon Harbour to Banagher 25,000
Turraun to Shannon Harbour 2,400,000
Signage & Enhancement 80,000
Cllr. Mark Hackett, who represents North Offaly in the Edenderry District said;
“A further €700,000 for the Daingean to Edenderry stretch of the Grand Canal Greenway is another great development for North Offaly, and for Offaly in general.
Investment of this scale will lead to more business opportunities along the routes, better access for the community and visitors to Offaly, and is great for the Environment, as more and more people choose to walk and cycle across our beautiful County”
Green Party representatives, Liam Walsh in Tullamore, and Ekaterina Koneva in Birr, hailed today’s announcement as a great win for the Environment, as continued investments means more and more people can choose to leave the car at home, accessing and enjoying our beautiful County on foot or by bike.