*©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Funding to the value of €255,000 has been set aside for the West Clare Greenway.
It is estimated that up to €9m will be required for the construction of the Greenway which will from Ennis to Kilkee. Officials leading the delivery of the project have previously outlined that the Waterford Greenway cost in the region of €450,000 per kilometre.
A priory section of the Greenway from Kilrush to Kilkee will be developed from funding announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Deputy Joe Carey (FG) welcomed the confirmation of the funding, he said the creation of local jobs and arrival of visitors to the area will be supported by the Greenway.
“As we have seen over the course of the lockdown, people are eager to get out into nature and avail of the stunning scenery in our country. This funding will support the Greenways Strategy and help local authorities around the country prepare Greenway projects to be ready for construction funding in the coming years. The West Clare Railway Greenway will encourage tourism in the future, and will also provide a safe, segregated space for people walking and cycling,” the Clarecastle native stated.
Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) expressed her delight with the funding allocation by Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan (GP). She said the funds will be managed by Clare County Council.
Separately, €140,000 has been allocated for the design of a Greenway from Limerick to Scariff. This will begin at the existing greenway to UL, crossing the River Shannon over the Black Bridge and following the old Errina canal to O’Briensbridge and onwards to Scariff. It will pass areas of natural beauty and make the Lower Shannon accessible to visitors.
