Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her detail response in which she listed the various options available. It is clear what option people in County Kildare would take. I agree with Kildare County Council that we should proceed with the second option of having the Kildare element of the project, for which planning permission has been given and which is ready to go, considered in the next round of the greenway strategy funding.

The cost of completing the entire Barrow blueway running for 115 km has been estimated at €11 million. Completing 50 km would cost significantly less but the economic return for the area would be significant. We already have a canoe loop in Vicarstown near Athy and people are able to cycle, walk, trek and canoe in the area. Athy is unique in that the town is located on the banks of the Grand Canal and the River Barrow. With its famous triathlon event, TriAthy, dragon boat racing, canoe club and ambitious plans for a new water sports hub, the town has embraced water sports and tourism potential. This investment would be a considerable shot in the arm for Athy. Monasterevin is known as the Venice of Ireland. It and Rathangan are towns in rural Kildare which do not have enough economic activity. Tourism is a key option that would link us directly with the Dublin tourist market. We have an exciting opportunity for businesses and individuals to consider setting up cafés and the various spin-off industries that come from blueways and greenways. A couple of years ago, while cycling from Achill along the greenway on a family holiday, I was struck by the number of new businesses that had sprung up along the route. The same applies in Waterford where a greenway of only 46 km attracts 250,000 visitors each year. We are aiming to attract 50,000 visitors.

I implore the Minister to use her good offices. The second option she listed would be our preferred one. At some point, we could consider submitting new planning applications to try to deliver the full Barrow blueway. For now, let us prove that Kildare can be a success and let us take every opportunity to have the economic development that is so crucial for the south of the county.

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