Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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238. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the up-to-date position of a project (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44913/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The project mentioned by the Deputy is a significant initiative which will support communities, create exciting recreational opportunities including ways to experience interesting places from new perspectives.

Waterways Ireland obtained planning permission for the entire 46km of the Barrow Blueway Project including the canal side works and the roadside works from Lowtown to Athy.  Kildare County Council is the Project Manager for the Barrow Blueway Project and is responsible for overall project delivery.

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; and

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

Waterways Ireland is responsible for the delivery of the canal side works elements only. The roadside works elements are being undertaken by Kildare County Council.  Work commenced on site in the late summer of 2020 with completion of works by Waterways Ireland expected in late 2022. 

Project updates are published regularly by Kildare County Council on its website.  

The target completion date for the remaining works is Q2 2023.