Minister Michael Ring, TD, and Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer' Moran, TD, at the new stretch of Royal Canal greenway.

Travel to Killashee possible on new stretch of canal path

A further stage of the Royal Canal Greenway was opened on Thursday last – clearing a route for walkers and cyclists to journey as far as Killashee in Co Longford.

There is also to be a link enabling visitors to Center Parcs to access the Greenway.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, on Thursday opened the new 6km stretch of between Ballymahon and Killashee, the final section of the Royal Canal Greenway in Co Longford.

“With the opening of this 6km stretch of greenway, there is now a continuous greenway along the Royal Canal all the way through counties Longford and Westmeath,” said Minister Ring, adding that he hoped there would soon be a continuous greenway from Dublin to the River Shannon along the Royal Canal in the near future.

 

 

ABOVE: at the official opening of the 6km stretch of the Royal Canal Greenway between Ballymahon and Killashee, by Michael Ring, TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, on Thursday last, were (from left) Peter Burke, TD, Martin Dalby, CEO, Centre Parcs, Minister Ring, and Cllr Micheál Carrigy.

The route was built by Longford County Council using €525,000 allocated by Minister Ring through his Department’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

“Having witnessed the transformative economic and social impact of the Great Western Greenway and the Waterford Greenway, I am confident that the Royal Canal Greenway can have a similar impact on this part of the Midlands,” Minister Ring stated.

He continued by stating that the Royal Canal Greenway dovetails perfectly with the Center Parcs in Ballymahon which will soon attract a huge number of visitors to this area.

“I am glad to note that my Department has allocated €100,000 towards the restoration of the White Bridge over the River Inny which will enable visitors to Center Parcs to access the Greenway.”