500,000 visits to Royal Canal Greenway in first year of operation

Research from Waterways Ireland also finds economic dividend of €17.2m across Westmeath, Longford, Meath and Kildare

New research from Waterways Ireland has found that more than 640,000 trips have been taken on the Royal Canal Greenway since it opened in March 2021.

The 130km amenity crosses Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, and Longford and is a joint initiative between Waterways Ireland and the local authorities in those areas.

It is the longest greenway in Ireland, running from Maynooth, to Clondra. It cost €12m to deliver.

A former towpath for barges, the Royal Canal Greenway features 90 bridges, 33 locks, 17 harbours and four aqueducts.

Greenway users can complete the entire 130km flat, off-road trail in one or explore the shorter designated routes between the 14 connecting access points and towns. These range from 6km to 15km.

Waterways Ireland appointed Tracsis in 2021 to undertake a validation exercise on the data from physical counters in place along the greenway and to undertake a consumer survey.

The research found that the amenity has returned a dividend of €17.2 million to the business community in its first year of operation, returning the investment in the project in eight months. The economic dividend was based on a weighted average visitor spend of €27.

The research also found that across the four counties involved, 17 new businesses have opened and 13 businesses have confirmed that they have modified or expanded their businesses to provide for greenway customers.

The chief executive of Waterways Ireland, John McDonagh, said: “We are delighted that the Royal Canal Greenway has been an outstanding success in its first year. We acknowledge the commitment of our partners in Longford, Kildare, Meath and Westmeath county councils in delivering this greenway and that of local communities and businesses, which have helped to make it a success by creating new tourist and recreational opportunities.

“We look forward to welcoming more domestic and international visitors in the coming years.”

The chief executive of Westmeath County Council, Pat Gallagher, acknowledged that the Royal Canal Greenway “is a valuable amenity traversing our county, enjoyed by our local communities, as well as visitors who come to walk or cycle and experience its tranquillity and unique heritage”.

At the time of its launch, we were in the midst of Covid restrictions, and the greenway has offered opportunities for the improved health and wellbeing of its users, as well as economic opportunities for hospitality businesses along the way.

“We look forward to a continued partnership with Waterways Ireland, our neighbouring counties, the Westmeath tourism industry, and local communities to further enhance and promote the Royal Canal Greenway so that its benefits continue to grow.”