Ministers Heather Humphreys and Jack Chambers officially opened the 30 kilometre Boyne valley to Lakelands Greenway along the former Midland Great Western Railway from Navan in Co Meath to the Dun an Rí Forest Park in Kingscourt, Co Cavan.
Minister Humphreys also opens a new community centre in Kilmainhamwood, transformed from a derelict building with support from various funding sources.
Heather Humphreys said: “projects like this greenway are not just places where we can go for a walk, a run or a cycle. They are places where we can come together as family and friends – they have become social outlets for so many more people over the last few years. My Department have provided over €2.1m since 2018 to develop and enhance this wonderful recreation amenity. I have always placed great importance on investment in our outdoor amenities – our rivers, our lakes, our walkways and cycleways. It has provided a real boost both socially and economically to rural Ireland, allowing for the recreational enhancement of local facilities which can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.”
Jack Chambers said: “I am delighted that my Department could support the development of the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, with approximately €3m allocated to the project. This 30km route will provide many people with safe, segregated and accessible active travel infrastructure and support them to choose walking and cycling as a means of travel more regularly. This project was completed thanks to investment from the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) as well as funding from the Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Meath County Council, and Cavan County Council.
