Offaly Greenways allocated over €3.9m in 2024

THIS year's allocation of €3,940,000 for National Roads and Greenways across Offaly has been welcomed by a number of local representatives.

The biggest chunk of the allocation is €2,400,000 for the Turraun to Shannon Harbour stretch. In all six different stretches have been allocated funding with €80,000 also allocated for signage.

Local Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen has welcomed the funding, which was announced as part of a total of over €440 million allocated to National Roads and Greenways nationwide. The allocations will be made to local authorities across the country through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Deputy Cowen said: “This funding is crucial to continue improving our greenways infrastructure. Improving our infrastructure not only benefits the local community, but it also attracts investment and tourism to the area. I am committed to working with Offaly County Council and my colleagues in Government to secure funding for Offaly and to deliver the best possible services and amenities for all our residents.”

Offaly Green Representatives, Minister Pippa Hackett, Cllr Mark Hackett, Liam Walsh and Ekaterina Koneva also welcomed the allocation for the County Offaly stretch of the Grand Canal Greenway.

This is part of a wider announcement of €5.9 million for Offaly as part of the funding allocations for national roads and greenways throughout the country by Minister Eamon Ryan and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Welcoming the allocation, Minister Pippa Hackett said “The Grand Canal Greenway is a County Offaly treasure of national significance and this allocation is proof that this Government continues to recognise its value by investing in its ongoing development.

“The Greenway contributes to the economic growth of both rural and urban areas of the county, promoting local business, tourism and activity-based holidays. On its own, the Greenway is a fantastic amenity that spans the County, but it also extends access to other trails and facilities, like historic sites, and other existing and developing outdoor activities. Today’s allocation also compliments the EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism Scheme which is open now and which County Offaly is primed and ready to benefit from”.

Offaly Grand Canal projects funded under the 2024 allocations are, as follows;

• Daingean to Edenderry €700,000

• Daingean to Tullamore & Henesy's Br. to Turraun €35,000

• Kilbeggan Link €250,000

• Leabeg to Boora €450,000

• Shannon Harbour to Banagher €25,000

• Turraun to Shannon Harbour €2,400,000

• Signage & Enhancement €80,000

Cllr Mark Hackett, who represents North Offaly in the Edenderry District said; “A further €700,000 for the Daingean to Edenderry stretch of the Grand Canal Greenway is another great development for North Offaly, and for Offaly in general. Investment of this scale will lead to more business opportunities along the routes; like cafes and bike shops, better access for the community who live here and use it regularly, and will boost tourism as visitors choose to visit and stay to enjoy everything that Offaly has to offer”.

Green Party representatives, Liam Walsh in Tullamore, and Ekaterina Koneva in Birr, hailed the announcement as a great win for the Environment, as continued investments means more and more people can choose to leave the car at home, accessing and enjoying our beautiful county on foot or by bike.