Green-light given for a Blueway of 47km along the Grand Canal in Co Kildare

By Kim O'Leary

Kildare TD Fiona O’Loughlin has welcomed the decision by Kildare County Council and Laois County Council to grant planning permission for a Blueway along 47 Kilometres of the Grand Canal in Kildare and 16 Kilometres in Laois.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare South, Fiona O'Loughlin, said, “This decision to grant permission for the Blueway is fantastic for tourism and as a local amenity for Kildare and Laois. It is a pity that Carlow County Council refused planning for the final section of the Blueway however, it will not take from the overall project."

She added: "There are tremendous benefits to the Blueway for the local economy and for reviving small towns in Kildare; we have seen the benefits in other counties such as Waterford and Mayo as they continue the process. Irish people are getting more active and this area will be an area for a multitude of people to enjoy in their spare time”.

Deputy O’Loughlin concluded: “Necessary precautions have been assessed in relation to the natural habitats for species yet environmental experts within the local authorities involved have given the green light on this project to move forward. I look forward to seeing the end result and to the tourism and revitalisation to towns that is hoped for”.