Following their visit, Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety, and New Market Development, Martin Heydon T.D. said: "I have been a supporter of this project since the idea of developing a Blueway through the counties of Laois, Kildare and Carlow was first mooted. The progression of this project will be a game changer in terms of attracting visitors to the areas of Robertstown, Rathangan, Monasaterevin, Athy and surrounding areas in Laois and Kildare. The project is on track and I look forward to seeing it progress during 2021 and 2022. I am delighted to see first-hand the progress that is being made on the ground and I wish to commend Waterways Ireland and the local authorities for their vision in seeing through this project from inception to making it a reality on the ground."
Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Heritage & Electoral Reform, added: "The continuing development of the Barrow Blueway is of great benefit for the communities along the Barrow in Laois and Kildare. I am very pleased to be here at Ballyteige, Co. Kildare to see the transformation that is taking place and will take place along this stretch of the River Barrow. Previous developments of Blueways in Ireland have brought new opportunities in walking, paddling and cycling to areas where they were in short supply. The benefit to local businesses and the increase in visitors to the area is something this government is trying to encourage and the Barrow Blueway is a great example of this and one which I am happy to support."
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Planning approval for development of the Barrow Blueway from Lowtown to Athy (46km) was received in March 2019.
The project objectives are to:
(1) Provide upgraded and new physical infrastructure in accordance with planning permission;
(2) Provision of infrastructure to achieve 'Accredited Blueway' status for the route;
(3) Co-ordinate marketing activity to maximise the potential of the Blueway.
The project is being delivered through the partnership of Waterways Ireland, Kildare County Council and Laois County Council for a total project cost of €6.75 million.
Construction work commenced in Autumn of 2020 with some delays due to COVID-19 restrictions. It is currently anticipated that all aspects of construction should be complete by the end of 2022.
Funding of over €5m for the development of the Barrow Blueway was provided under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development, with 25% matched funding provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., said: "The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund overseen by my Department, is a key part of 'Our Rural Future' - the Government's ambitious five year strategy for Rural Ireland. The RRDF has already established itself as a key driver of economic and social progress in rural Ireland.
"The Fund is an invaluable resource, providing the targeted, large-scale investment necessary to drive economic recovery and sustainable development in rural areas facing the challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis.
"The funding of over €5m to the development of the Barrow Blueway is a great example of how the Fund is supporting communities and businesses across the country and I wish to commend the partnership of Waterways Ireland, Kildare County Council and Laois County Council on this very worthwhile project."
