Harding welcomes Boyne Greenway support from Taoiseach

Fianna Fail Cllr Wayne Harding has welcomed an announcement by Taoiseach Michael Martin signalling to Local Authority’s that his government will fund any greenway project they have as part of its response to climate change.

Speaking on development he said:

“Meath County Council have been very proactive in progressing the Boyne Greenway and in light of this announcement I will have meetings early in the new year with our CE Jackie Maguire and Director of transport Des Foley and their team.

“Both have been very strong on the delivery of the Boyne Greenway and organised a delegation from Meath with the Waterford CE Michael Walsh to look at the huge economic impact the greenway between Waterford City and Dungarvan had on that region.

“At the outset of my year as Cathoirleah of Meath County Council I said I would aim to progress the Boyne Greenway as far as possible throughout my year in office.

“So I was delighted on the Friday before our AGM last June to sign the contract appointing Atkins Consulting Engineers by Meath County Council to undertake work on the feasibility and design of the Boyne greenway from Oldbridge to Navan including the restoration of the Boyne navigation with a view to obtaining statutory planning approval.

The scheme is being funded by the Rural Regeneration and Developement Fund and Meath County Council. Harding added:

“While life has been extremely hard for everybody over the last year the greenways being made central to our recovery from a dismal year is really exciting.

“The scheme has the potential to make the Boyne Valley from the coast at Bettystown to Navan and on to Trim into one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country.

“You have the beach the historic town of Drogheda, The Battle of The Boyne site, the World Heritage Site of Bru na Boinne, Slane village it’s Castle and Distillery, Navan and on to Trim”.

“Unlike many other greenways that are pedestrian and bikes only this one would include boat trips and no other greenway has a world heritage site along the route.

“As part of all these announcements it is vitally important that all stakeholders along the proposed route are involved throughout the process.”