Blueway trail adds 'significant value to tourism offering'
The launch of the first Royal Canal Blueway has left Mullingar well placed to get its share of the growing activity tourism market.
That's according to the Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council John Dolan who was speaking at the official launch of the Royal Canal Blueway recently. Running from McNead's Bridge to Coolnahay Harbour, the first Blueway on the canal provides users with a range of cycling and paddling trails from the Activity Zone located in Mullingar Harbour.
Speaking at the launch on Monday afternoon at Mullingar Harbour, Cllr Dolan said that the Blueway in conjunction with the Old Rail Trail and soon to be opened Royal Canal Greenway will be an important asset for the locality in its attempts to attract more tourists from home and abroad.
“The development of walking, cycling and water activities along the canal adds significant value to our tourism offering and provides an opportunity for our businesses and community to develop,” Cllr Dolan said.
He added that he was “glad to see that the ethos of the Blueway is to encourage more people to try out these activities and get more active”.
Brigid Manley from Mullingar Chamber of Commerce said that the opening of the Blueway “offers great exposure for Mullingar as a destination and as a place to do business, to live and to work”.
“We now need to build on the progress that has been made in developing the integrated network of Blueways, Greenways and - I believe - even Peatways.
“Amenities such as this define our character here in Mullingar and add to our attractiveness and sense of place.”
Dawn Livingstone, chief executive of Waterways Ireland, said that her organisation wants to increase the use of the island's inland waterways.
“We want to create a generational shift where in a decade more and more pople are regularly using and enjoying their inland waterways be that to walk, to cycle, to swim, to fish, to stand up paddleboard or enjoy having a boat.
“We also want to increase use by using the waterways to bring visitors into an area. We want to support existing businesses, create opportunities for new businesses and help deliver jobs and prosperity,” Ms Livingstone said.