Date: 16 November 2020
Green Party TD for Wicklow, Steven Matthews has welcomed the investment of €6.4 million Greenway funding for the Blessington Loop Project announced by Green Party Leader Minister Eamon Ryan. Discussing the news Deputy Matthews said:
“This is a massive investment and is part of overall funding that represents the biggest ever investment in Greenways in Ireland in a single year. In recent days I have had the opportunity to speak with a number of people who have been involved on this project for nearly 10 years and they deserve massive credit for the work they have done behind the scenes on getting this project to where it is today.
“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. The benefits to the local economy also must be welcomed in terms jobs that this Greenway will provide in areas such as cafés, recreation and tourist businesses.
“I completely understand and appreciate that genuine concerns have been raised by some residents and adjacent landowners, but these are issues that can be ironed out in the coming months.
“It is hoped that the project will be completed by the summer of 2022 and I am particularly pleased to see this substantial investment in the West of the county which has often been overlooked for funding of this nature in the past. I am also determined to see further investment in recreational and tourist attractions in the West of the County such as the significant cultural and Archaeological heritage in the Baltinglass Hills.
“One thing we have learned as a result of the pandemic is the importance of having local facilities and spaces where you can exercise and clear your head which we know has lasting benefits both for your physical and mental health. In what has been an extraordinarily tough year for so many people, this is a welcome piece of good news, concluded Deputy Matthews.
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