Greenway link from Kilbeggan to Grand Canal officially opens

Minister Heather Humphreys visited Kilbeggan last Friday to officially open the Kilbeggan Grand Canal Greenway Link.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Humphreys paid tribute to Westmeath County Council, Waterways Ireland, Renew Kilbeggan Harbour Committee and the Rahugh Hall Development Association, for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition.

“We all saw that outdoor recreation during Covid was an absolute godsend to us all. Many of us didn’t realise we have such wonderful amenities on our doorstep,” she said.

“I want to see us continue to work with local authorities and community groups to approve amenities. This greenway is a great example of that. What you have done is turn an old disused area into an amenity that is fit for 21st century use.”

Senator Paul Daly told the Westmeath Examiner that as someone who is “Kilbeggan born and bred”, he is delighted that the village now has a link to the Grand Canal Greenway and that it will soon be a key hub on Ireland’s greenways network, which should attract more visitors.

“It’s just another piece in a bigger jigsaw of fantastic amenities and facilities for our community,” he said.

The off road amenity, which links Kilbeggan to Ballycommon, has proven very popular with young and old during the pandemic.

Minister of State Peter Burke, who attended the official opening, said that communities across Ireland have an enhanced appreciation for outdoor amenities.

“It’s fantastic to see the investment continue to be made in Rural Ireland and to have a specific Minister for Rural and Community Development in place who understands the need for balanced development and facilities for those who live in rural areas. We have seen the importance of our outdoor amenities during COVID 19, so more facilities such as this is money well spent and I know is utilised widely by the community in Kilbeggan.”