Waterford's Minister of State John Halligan says this funding allocated by the Department of Transport
will be used for final improvement and remedial works.
It follows a one point six million euro announcement for Waterford Greenway last year.
John Halligan says the Greenway attracted almost 250,000 visitors last year which has had
a 'transformative' effect on Waterford's tourism sector.
John Halligan says Waterford Council incurred significant costs in delivering the entire Greenway .
In a statement Minister Halligan said “Waterford Greenway has been a phenomenal success since it opened in March 2017, attracting walkers and cyclists from across Ireland and Europe and transforming our tourism offering, as well as delivering massive economic benefits for local cafes, hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, bars, bike hire companies and more. It is now justifiably recognised across the country as an example of best practise in Greenway construction and accommodation works for local landowners.
“Waterford City and County Council have funded the vast majority of the Greenway works and great credit must go to the local authority manager Michael Walsh and his team for their hard work and determination to bring this stunning piece of infrastructure to completion. The Council incurred significant costs in delivering the entire Greenway and I am delighted to announce this additional funding, to assist the Council with their completion works.”
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross TD added:
“We have been highlighting the success of the Waterford Greenway since it opened in March 2017. The numbers using it and spending time and money in Dungarvan and Kilmacthomas has been phenomenal and has provided proof of the economic benefits that arise from greenways and reflects the focus of Government on revitalising our smaller towns and villages.
“The standard of the Waterford Greenway is top class and it has inspired others to develop their own greenways projects. I look forward to receiving many high quality applications under our new Strategy funding call which closes on November 30th. We are looking to fund projects that have planning permission in place already or that will have permission in place shortly. We are also looking to fund projects where land access issues have been addressed and that bring users to areas of wonderful scenery and things to see and do along the route. I would advise all those seeking to make an application to visit the Waterford Greenway and to learn from them.”
