Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We in the mid north-east region are blessed with one of the most significant and internationally recognised tourism resources in the country. Along its 110 km length, the Boyne Valley is littered with internationally recognised historic heritage sites. I refer to Drogheda, the high crosses of Monasterboice, the world heritage site at Brú na Bóinne, which comprises Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, the Battle of the Boyne site at Oldbridge, Slane Hill, Slane Castle, Navan, Ardmulchan, Ardbraccan House, Dunmoe Castle, the Hill of Tara, which has currency internationally, the monastery at Bective, the 12th century cathedral at Newtown Trim, and the largest Norman castle in the country, which is located in Trim. The Boyne Valley also contains the River Blackwater, on which the monastery of Kells is located. In future I would like a volume of the Book of Kells to be located in the town. There is also Loughcrew in the northwest of the county, which is the location of a 5,000 year old grave. Hundreds of other bridges, raths, wells, castles etc. are scattered throughout this scenic valley.

The value potential of this tourism product is recognised by Fáilte Ireland and is part of that organisation's strategic plan. Unfortunately, however, the Boyne Valley has not been properly exploited. In fact, it is completely under-exploited as a resource. Most of the tourism relating to the valley involves people staying in Dublin hotels taking day trips by bus to Trim or Newgrange and then travelling back to the capital in time for dinner. We are not utilising the resource in any meaningful way. A complete Boyne Valley greenway would radically alter the nature of tourism in the region. Such an amenity would bring tens of thousands of people into the area. Such individuals would stay for five or ten days and either walk or cycle along the route. A Boyne Valley greenway would provide a boost to hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfast establishments, bars, shops and activity centres. It would also give rise to job creation, increase the amount of money in circulation and improve people's living standards.

A great deal of good work has already been done and much of the route has already been paved. For example, some four miles north of Navan, three miles adjacent to Trim and a further section at Slane have already been paved. It is just a matter of filling the gaps at this stage. Great work, funded by the Minister of State's Department, has also been done between Mornington and Oldbridge. I welcome that investment and I believe it is a sign that the Department is taking the product seriously. Much feasibility and scoping work has been carried out. All of the stakeholders I have spoken to, namely, Meath Partnership, Meath County Council, Meath Tourism, Fáilte Ireland, the National Transport Authority, NTA, the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the Department, are in favour of the development.

My only concern is that the rate of progress is far too slow. The work currently being done to link Drogheda and the Oldbridge section of the route only involves the development of 1.8 km. A further section measuring 2 km or 3 km is due to be submitted for planning permission shortly. At this rate of development, the Boyne Valley project would take over 20 years to complete. I honestly believe that what is required is for ministerial priority to be afforded to this issue. We must ensure that the project will be completed in a much shorter period and that it will bring value to the region and give rise to employment opportunities to the people who live there.

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