THE Barrow Blueway project that traverses Laois and Kildare has been granted €3.9m in additional funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
The Laois Nationalist reports on May 16 2024 ‘The project was awarded €3,940,827 towards the overall cost of €4,926,034, under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).
The Barrow Blueway aims to stimulate and sustain employment opportunities and new economic activity in towns and villages along the route, with a particular emphasis on the revitalisation of rural town centres. The beautiful Laois village of Vicarstown will be among the areas to benefit. ………. The key works include upgrade and resurfacing of the Barrow Way towpath and track to a multi-use leisure trail along the Grand Canal Barrow Line, local road widening and provision of road crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
Construction of new pedestrian footbridges in Athy and Rathangan are also part of the project, together with replacement of railings and gates at selected locations and construction of fencing.
The site required extensive surveys, such as pre-commencement ecological studies and invasive species surveys.
Welcoming the funding today, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin said: “I cannot overstate the importance of this project to the local economy. With the project, the towns of Robertstown, Rathangan, Monasterevin, Vicarstown and Athy will certainly have great potential to develop businesses. This is a crucial rural area that struggles to attract the amount of tourism it deserves.”
Background
The Barrow Blueway project in Kildare and Laois, began in 2021; it is documented on this site at Blueways & Greenways.
The Blueway follows the Barrow Line of the Grand Canal starting in Robertstown/Lowtown and ending in Athy, passing through Ballyteague, Glenaree/Rathangan, Umeras, Monasterevin, Fisherstown and Vicarstown. The amenities offered will enhance the canal experience for walkers, cyclists and boaters, and with new jetties suitable for the launch and retrieval of small boats, will introduce this section of the canal to people of all ages in small boats.
‘This top tourist attraction ……….. will not only offer a huge economic boost, positively influencing economic growth opportunities, it will also increase that sense of community, create exciting opportunities for both recreation and ways to experience many of the community’s interesting places from new perspectives.’ Waterways Ireland
Kildare County Council published a Progress Report in May 2023
County Kildare Leader Partnership’s ‘Barrow Blueway Economic Plan’ received a National Planning Award Oct 2023. An Irish Planning Institute spokesperson stated “The project is a shared vision for a positive visitor experience grounded in the sustainable economic development of the Barrow Blueway as well as to inform, guide and encourage economic development initiatives that will bring the experience of the Barrow Blueway to life for local people and visitors to the area.”
A shortfall in funding was noted in Jan 2024 of €3.5m ‘following a tender process for road crossing works and a pedestrian bridge in Rathangan’
The latest news announced on May 16 2024 is most welcome.