Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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100. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans for an upgraded blueway along the Barrow river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53629/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The delivery of the 46km Barrow Blueway route from Lowtown to Athy in partnership with Kildare and Laois County Councils is a priority for Waterways Ireland. This development and others like it present valuable opportunities for rural communities to attract more visitors, stimulate local businesses and regenerate local areas.

Planning approval was received in March 2019. The project objectives are to:

(1) Provide upgraded and new physical infrastructure in accordance with planning permission;

(2) Provision of infrastructure to achieve ‘Accredited Blueway’ status for the route;

(3) Co-ordinate marketing activity to maximise the potential of the Blueway.

The project is being delivered through the partnership of Waterways Ireland, Kildare County Council and Laois County Council for a total project cost of €6.75 million. 

Funding of over €5m was provided under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund with 25% matched funding provided by my Department.

The development and approval of a five-year strategic maintenance programme by Waterways Ireland will ensure that the Barrow Navigation remains navigable and as accessible as possible into the future for the benefit of all users.

Work commenced on site in the late summer of 2020 with completion expected in late 2022.