Green Party TD – Steven Matthews has welcomed the announcement of €2.8 million in funding for a series of Greenway Projects across Wicklow. This includes a further €1.8 million funding for the Blessington Greenway, €500,000 for the Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway project, €250,000 provided for the Wicklow to Greystones Greenway with a further €250,000 provided to Wicklow CoCo to allow for research into future funding projects. This funding comes from the Department of Transport in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
Discussing the Greenway funding for Wicklow, Deputy Matthews said:
‘Greenways are not just for tourism; they are for residents to use and enjoy and to provide safe routes between our towns and recreational and natural environment attractions. Investment in safe cycling routes, Greenways and Safe Routes to School are Green Party priorities and we have never seen such level of investment as we have done in the last 3 years in Government’.
“I have been engaging with various resident groups, environmental groups, and Wicklow County Council consistently on Greenway routes. I am fully aware of the environmental concerns that must be prioritised and the economic and recreational benefits for Wicklow from these projects. All projects will require stringent environmental impacts assessments, and the results of these assessments will inform the planning applications. The extra €250,000 funding for the Wicklow coastal trail will bring this project to full design and planning application stage’
“I am particularly pleased to see a huge investment in the Blessington Greenway. This is a wonderful amenity for the West of the County both for local residents as well as tourists. The potential positive impact for smaller villages along the route is huge in terms jobs that this Greenway will provide in areas such as cafés, recreation and tourist businesses.
“A green route from Greystones to Wicklow has the potential to bring huge economic and tourism benefits to Wicklow Town and combined with my proposal to extend the DART to the town, these projects are examples of positive investment in Wicklow and reflects the growing population and demand for these services.
“It is a very positive announcement for Wicklow and I look forward to working with TII, the Department of Transport and Wicklow CoCo to ensure positive progress on these Greenway Routes for Wicklow, concluded Deputy Matthews.
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