Multi-million euro boost for greenway projects in Clare
MORE than €2.1m in funding has been granted to Clare County Council for greenways across the Banner.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has given the money which will be used for the ongoing development of a number of walks across the west coast county.
A number of projects are in development and this funding will be used to advance these projects to the planning and design stage.
Projects include the conversion of the old West Clare railway line into walkways
It will see links open up between Kilrush and Kilkee, Ennis and Ennistymon, Miltown Malbay and Moyasta.
A new riverside walk is planned between Scarriff and Limerick, with the town of Shannon set to link with Bunratty and Sixmilebridge to join the Limerick Greenway, which itself is being extended towards the city.
More money has has been provided to give these projects the impetus required to move them quickly through the various stages of planning and delivery and.
In this regard, it is intended to submit the Kilrush to Kilkee section of the West Clare Railway Greenway proposal to An Bord Pleanála for the necessary statutory consents later this year. Delivery of such projects is not without its challenges, particularly in environmentally and ecologically rich areas.
Clare County Council leader Tony O’Brien said: "This funding will enable the progression of a number of key greenway projects in Co Clare, namely the West Clare Railway Greenway, the Limerick to Scarriff Greenway/Blueway and the Shannon to Bunratty/Sixmilebridge/ Limerick Greenway. Residents and visitors in County Clare will benefit from the recreational opportunities and improved connectivity that this investment in our greenways will deliver. I would like to thank the TII for making the funding available."
Former Limerick council executive Pat Dowling, who now heads the Banner local authority added: "Greenways serve as wonderful leisure and tourism amenities, as well as providing practical active travel opportunities for people in rural Ireland. The funding allocation will see a number of important projects in Clare move to the planning and design stage. I look forward to seeing the projects progressing and ultimately adding to the county’s infrastructure and tourism offering."
Another former Limerick council staff member Carmel Kirby, who is now director of physical development at Clare County Council, said: “In addition to the clear health benefits deriving from such active travel schemes, greenways have proven to provide social, economic and environmental benefits also. This funding is very positive news for our county."