Press release
Ministers Humphreys and Chambers officially open Boynevalley to Lakelands Greenway across Meath and Cavan
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers T.D., have today (Sunday, May 12th) officially opened the Boynevalley to Lakelands Greenway.
The new greenway provides a 30 kilometre bicycle and walking path along the former Midland Great Western Railway. It stretches from Navan in Co Meath to the Dun an Rí Forest Park in Kingscourt, Co Cavan.
Speaking at the official opening in Co Meath, Minister 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 €2.1 Million 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.”
Minister Jack Chambers T.D. said:
“I am delighted that my Department could support the development of the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, with approximately €3 million 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.
During the visit to Meath, Minister Humphreys also officially opened a new community centre in Kilmainhamwood.
This project saw a derelict building in the centre of Kilmainhamwood transformed into a multi-purpose community space equipped with remote working facilities.
Speaking at this event, Minister Humphreys said:
“This transformative project saw the repurposing of the former derelict McMahon’s Building to create this beautiful community space, complete with room for remote working. It’s a welcoming and vibrant amenity in the heart of your community. I want to congratulate you all on the excellent work done to date in Kilmainhamwood, and I would like to acknowledge the work of the Kilmainhamwood Area Development Association and the whole community, with the support of Meath County Council, in getting this project to fruition.”
This project received €250,000 in funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This scheme has now invested over €177 million in almost 1,800 projects across the country.
The Department of Rural and Community Development was established to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland.
Its focus is on strengthening community resilience and social cohesion, supporting communities so that they are empowered to face current and future challenges.
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based recreation sites and mountain trails. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of over €113 million has supported more than 1,700 projects across Ireland.
The scheme supports sporting and recreational pursuits. It helps to make use of the resources of the countryside that contribute to healthy active lifestyles. It supports the economic and tourism potential of the area for both local communities and tourist visitors alike.
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is prioritising the revitalisation of rural Ireland through a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration. This will be achieved through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use. Other projects which will be welcomed include regeneration projects that support active and vibrant town or village centres, town centre parks, green spaces and community amenities, etc.
The scheme is administered through the local authorities, who are required to work closely with local communities and local businesses to develop and implement proposals that can make a lasting impact in revitalising rural towns and villages across the country.