Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to hear about the blueway. It is really important to the constituency Deputy Heydon represents. Jobs will be created in the detailed design and construction stages. As the Deputy says, increased tourism will bring economic benefits to the area through direct and indirect visitor spending. That is the bottom line. Apart from the monetary benefits, there will also be benefits for new businesses and the vacant and disused properties along the waterways.

The Deputy also mentioned the built heritage investment scheme and the historic structures fund. I note that in Kildare the Sean Chill and the Grattan Vault in Celbridge, the Mill Cottage in Sallins, the graveyard and church in Johnstown and the Church of the Holy Saviour in Narraghmore all received funding this year, along with Ard na Gréine in Sallins, St. Michael's Church in Athy and Pebble Hill House in Maynooth. The Newbridge clock tower received €25,000 under the historic structures investment fund.

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