A Mullingar greenway ‘could replicate' Mayo's economic success story

Westmeath County Council is to use new funding to design proposals for a 20k greenway from the feeder canal at Lough Owel to the Royal Canal in Mullingar, where it will connect to the proposed Dublin to Galway Greenway.

A cycleway will be provided through the town to provide a connection to the greenway along Lacey’s Canal to the shores of Lough Ennell.

Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden said: “€420,000 has been made available across the country for Greenway development and the grants will mostly be used for design and planning by local authorities.

There is huge potential for Greenway development in the areas of tourism and recreation. The Mayo Greenway is already estimated to be contributing over €1m to the local economy per year and I hope that this can be replicated in Westmeath.”

Her party colleague James Bannon also welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, that €30,000 in funding has been approved for a 20k greenway.

“I would encourage Westmeath to work closely with Fáilte Ireland and ensure that the greenway is promoted to the tourist market. The greenway will support the already established tourist activities in Westmeath such as boating and walking through some of the most scenic views in the country.”

Deputy McFadden also welcomed an announcement by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, that the government has approved an additional €50m for regional and local roads expenditure in 2013, including €892,289 being allocated to Westmeath County Council for regional and local roads.