Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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310. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when works on the Barrow Blueway project will be completed; and the estimated cost to date for this project. [50933/23]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The Barrow Blueway Project is a significant initiative which will support communities and create exciting opportunities for recreation and ways to experience interesting places from new perspectives.

Kildare County Council is the Project Manager for the Barrow Blueway Project and is responsible for the overall project delivery. The project is funded under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) via Kildare County Council, with match funding of 25% provided by Waterways Ireland. In this regard, my Department does not hold the information requested on the estimated cost to date for this project. This information should be sought directly from Kildare County Council as Project Manager.

Waterways Ireland is responsible for the delivery of the canal-side works elements while the roadside works elements are being undertaken by Kildare County Council. Waterways Ireland has completed all path works as of September 2023 which comprises 36km of canal-side works and has commenced the construction of 10 waterside canoe access jetties with a construction duration of 6 months.

Kildare County Council publishes project updates for the Barrow Blueway regularly on its website www.kildarecoco.ie.