Royal Canal Greenway Animation project 'enhances visitor experience in midlands'

• Regenerative tourism project developed by Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland through the EU Just Transition Fund spans Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, TD, ha officially opened a new visitor experience enhancement project along the Royal Canal Greenway following a total investment of €650,000.

The Royal Canal Greenway Animation Project was developed by Waterways Ireland through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund.

Spanning Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford, the project enhances the visitor experience along the greenway, encouraging more people to engage with the heritage of the Royal Canal, thestories and surrounding landscapes through new interpretation, wayfinding and digital storytelling features.

Waterways Ireland was awarded €487,500 through Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Strategic Partners to deliver the project, and an additional investment of approximately €162,500 from Waterways Ireland, took the total project investment to €650,000.

The project includes 26 discovery points, enhanced wayfinding, trailhead signage at five locations, a digital visitor experience and a series of landmark installations.

The features create a more immersive and interactive experience for walkers and cyclists, encouraging visitors to spend more time exploring the towns, communities and natural attractions along the Royal Canal Greenway.

Minister Burke said: “The Royal Canal Greenway is a fantastic tourism amenity, and this investment will further enhance its appeal for walking, cycling and outdoor recreation. By bringing the canal’s rich heritage and unique stories to life, this project will encourage more people to explore Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and discover the vibrant towns and communities along the route.

“Developed through the EU Just Transition Fund and Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, and delivered by Waterways Ireland, this project demonstrates how strategic investment can unlock the tourism potential of the Midlands, support local enterprise and deliver lasting benefits for communities across the region.”

Director of Tourism Competitiveness and Sustainability at Fáilte Ireland, Orla Carroll said:

“The completion of the Royal Canal Greenway Animation Project is another important milestone in the delivery of Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme and demonstrates the positive impact that investment through the EU Just Transition Fund is having across the midlands region.

“Through enhanced interpretation, wayfinding and digital storytelling, this project brings the Royal Canal’s unique heritage and stories to life for visitors. It strengthens the appeal of the Greenway and encourages people to slow down and discover more of the destinations along its route, bringing economic benefits to local businesses and communities across Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford.”

John McDonagh, chief executive of Waterways Ireland, said: “The Royal Canal Greenway is one of Ireland’s premier outdoor recreation destinations, linking communities and welcoming thousands of walkers, cyclists and visitors each year. These new installations represent a significant step in enhancing the visitor experience, making it easier than ever to discover the stories, landscapes and heritage that make the Greenway so special.

“The project will not only enrich the experience for tourists but also for the many local communities who use and value the Greenway every day. By investing in high-quality visitor interpretation, the project will further strengthen the Greenway as a key tourism asset, supporting local businesses and contributing to the continued economic development of the wider region.”

Clare Bannon, director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), said: “The Royal Canal was historically an important artery for trade, connecting towns and villages across the Dublin, eastern and midland regions. Through this project, that shared heritage has been reimagined for a new purpose, helping visitors discover the stories, landscapes and communities that make the Royal Canal Greenway such a unique asset.

“As managing authority of the EU Just Transition Fund Programme, EMRA is proud to support projects that celebrate local heritage, enhance the visitor experience and create new opportunities for economic activity. The Royal Canal Greenway Animation Project demonstrates how investment in regenerative tourism can deliver lasting benefits for communities across Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford.”

The Royal Canal Greenway Animation is one of a growing number of projects being delivered through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. Through targeted investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences, the scheme is helping to diversify local economies, support employment and create compelling reasons for visitors to explore destinations across Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.