It’s been 11 years in the making but the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, which follows the route of the old Navan to Kingscourt railway, was officially opened yesterday as a welcome addition to the growing network of traffic free walking and cycling routes.

Ireland’s newest Greenway provides a 30km car-free pathway starting at the Blackwater Park in Navan and traveling along the former Midland Great Western Railway, steeped in natural, built, and cultural heritage, to Kingscourt, finishing at Dun na Rí Forest Park.

This project was funded by the Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Department of Rural and Community Development, Meath County Council, and Cavan County Council.

The Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr. Tommy Reilly, Jack Chambers T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Transport and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, and Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development, carried out the official opening in the presence of Meath County Council Elected members, Oireachtas members, and invited guests.

Speaking at the opening Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr. Tommy Reilly said, “As Cathaoirleach as well as a Councillor representing Navan Municipal District, I am enormously proud to attend the opening of the Greenway between counties Meath and Cavan. The Greenway will bring economic benefits as well as very important health and social benefits to our communities. It’s a great day for the region and, in particular, North Meath, and I’d like to acknowledge the hard work of all those involved in bringing the project to its entirety.”

Minister Jack Chambers T.D. said, “The opening of the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway represents an exciting development for Counties Meath and Cavan. Approximately €3 million has been spent by the Department of Transport in developing this Greenway route to date, with further investment committed.

“I am delighted to mark the start of Bike Week by opening this new Greenway today, which offers 30km of safe, accessible active travel infrastructure and will encourage greater levels of travel via cycling and walking rather than private car use amongst leisure users, tourists, and commuters.”

Minister Heather Humphreys T.D added “Projects like this greenway are not just places where we can go for a walk, a run, or a cycle. They are places where we can come together as family and friends – they have become social outlets for so many more people over the last few years.

“My Department has provided over €2.1 Million since 2018 to develop and enhance this wonderful recreation amenity. I have always placed great importance on investment in our outdoor amenities – our rivers, our lakes, our walkways, and cycleways. It has provided a real boost both socially and economically to rural Ireland, allowing for the recreational enhancement of local facilities which can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.”

Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe, said, “Driving growth in the region through tourism is a key priority for Meath County Council, and having top-class visitor attractions such as this Greenway is an integral part of this. Developing compelling visitors experiences is key in terms of attracting visitors from around the world and I have no doubt that this newly developed Greenway will provide a top-class experience, with incredible scenery, for locals and overseas visitors alike”.