Press release
Minister Michael Ring officially opens the Shannon Blueway extension to Lough Allen
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development , today officially opened the extension of the Shannon Blueway to Lough Allen.
Speaking today in Drumshanbo, at the opening of the Shannon Blueway extension, Minister Ring said :
“I am delighted to have been in a position to allocate funding of €340,000 from my Department’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme to extend the Shannon Blueway to Lough Allen.
“Outdoor recreational activities have become increasingly popular in Ireland, with both overseas visitors and local people enjoying the natural amenities that the country has to offer. My Department has invested significantly in the development and promotion of outdoor recreation infrastructure over the last few years, recognising the benefits that this investment brings in terms of supporting economic opportunities for rural areas, and contributing to the enjoyment and well-being of the users of this infrastructure.”
The Shannon Blueway is a new recreation and tourism concept that has been developed by Waterways Ireland and a number of key partners including Local Authorities, the National Trails Office and Canoeing Ireland.
Minister Ring said :
“I want to acknowledge the work that has been put into this project by Waterways Ireland staff. I also want to thank Leitrim Co. Council and the local community who have supported this project from the outset, particularly the local landowners who worked with Waterways Ireland to make the project achievable.”
The Minister added :
“My Department’s investment in the Shannon Blueway is already having a significant impact and has been proved to be a catalyst for ongoing rural development, social inclusion and job creation. In total €955,000 was allocated under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for three separate projects along the Shannon Erne Blueway.”
“The Blueway developments have led to the establishment of a number of water-based, recreational businesses and numerous support businesses. The Blueway facilities at Acres Lake has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors as well as being an important community resource and public asset.”
The Shannon Blueway is a new recreation and tourism concept that has been developed by Waterways Ireland and a number of key partners including Local Authorities, the National Trails Office and Canoeing Ireland.
The aims of the Blueway development are to provide a quality recreational experience using the natural assets of an area and providing a dividend to the local community and their economy. Participation in outdoor recreation is at an all-time high, with many people getting involved in walking, cycling and water-based activities.
The first phase of the Shannon Blueway was developed and delivered in 2014. It was a series of looped walks and canoe trails along the Lough Allen Canal in the Leitrim area.
The second phase of the Shannon Blueway involved the development and connection of the Lough Allen walking and cycling loops to a new trail head at Acres Lake (on the outskirts of Drumshanbo). The project entailed the development of an iconic floating boardwalk and almost 1km of towpath development. This section was opened by Minister Ring in 2017 and has welcomed over 100,000 visitors to the locality. The project was funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Outdoor Recreation infrastructure Scheme.
Phase III of the Blueway project achieves full connection between the existing Blueway and the current amenity hub on the banks of Lough Allen which already contains:
The works have created a path along the shores of Lough Allen linking the four tourism businesses to the lock at Blackrock and Drumshanbo town and increasing access for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It provides funding for the development, maintenance and promotion of outdoor recreation infrastructure in rural Ireland.
Over €41 million has been approved for more than 600 projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme since 2016.