Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon has said that plans are progressing for the Barrow Blueway from Lowtown outside Robertstown through Rathangan and Monasterevin to Athy with work due to commence on the project in Autumn 2020.
“In response to a parliamentary question Minister Josepha Madigan confirmed that her Department is in contact with Waterways Ireland regarding timelines on the project.
“Waterways Ireland has informed the Department that detailed analysis and design of the route and infrastructure is taking place currently. Work is due to commence on the project in Autumn 2020 with a completion date of Spring 2022.
“In November 2019, funding of €5m was awarded under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to Waterways Ireland and its partners, Kildare and Laois County Councils to progress the Barrow Blueway from Lowtown to Athy. Additional funding was also pledged by the Department who are working with Waterways Ireland on project scheduling, capital-flow needs and associated timing of this and other capital projects,
“The progression of this project will be a game changer in terms of attracting visitors to the areas of Robertstown, Rathangan, Monasaterevin, Athy and surrounding areas in Laois and Kildare. The project is still on track following planning and funding confirmations last year and I look forward to see it progress later this year.” Concluded Deputy Heydon.
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Culture; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the provision of matching funding for the Barrow Blueway, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
In November 2019, funding of €5m was awarded under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to Waterways Ireland and its partners, Kildare and Laois County Councils to progress the Barrow Blueway from Lowtown to Athy. As part of indicative timescales in relation to the project, Waterways Ireland has informed the Department that detailed analysis and design of the route and infrastructure is taking place currently. Work is due to commence on the project in Autumn 2020 with a completion date of Spring 2022.
The provision of the balance of the capital funding will now be addressed in the 2021 and 2022 Estimates‘ process and my Department is in touch with Waterways Ireland as to project scheduling, capital-flow needs and associated timing of this and other capital projects, including the conclusion of the ongoing Meelick Weir capital project.