The Barrow Blueway Is On Track To Be Completed By The Year End

Wednesday, 6 April 2022 15:41

By Caoimhe Harney

The project is a 46km stretch from Lowtown To Athy.

The Barrow Blueway is now over 55% complete and is on target for completion by the end of the year.

Labour Senator Mark Wall posed the question in the Seanad to the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage, for an up-to-date position with regard to a development in south County Kildare; when it is expected to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Minister advised that the project is on track to be completed by the end of the year.

He advised that the Milltown to Athy link is to commence in Q2 2022.

The project is a significant initiative which will support communities, and create exciting opportunities for recreation and ways to experience interesting places from new perspectives.

Waterways Ireland obtained planning permission for the Project, a 46 kilometre stretch from Lowtown to Athy, including the canal side works and the roadside works.

Work commenced on site in the late summer of 2020 with completion of works by Waterways Ireland expected in late 2022.

To date, Waterways Ireland has completed 20.2km of the canal side works, which equates to 55% of the towpath to be developed.

A further 5.6km are nearing completion and in Q2 2022 it is scheduled to commence the section from Athy to Milltown Bridge in south County Kildare.

Kildare County Council is the Project Manager for the Project and is responsible for overall project delivery.

Labour Senator Senator Mark Wall commented:" The Barrow Blueway is already attracting large crowds of locals from a recreational point of view, using this great amenity daily and weekly.

"A number of Businesses have opened along the route already and more are on the way.

"As we begin to see Tourists come into the country this very positive attraction in South Kildare can be a game changer for potential employment and business.

"It is already a success because of the amount of local people already using it. I look forward to its completion and opening, which will benefit this area of west and south Kildare and parts of county Laois," he added.