Walking, cycling route proposed between Navan and Trim

A proposal for a Boyne Valley cycling and walking route aimed at attracting tourism to the county has been entered in the nationwide 'Your Country Your Call' competition. The proposal, which was the subject of a feasibility study by Meath County Council, has been entered in the national job creation competition by Cllr Peadar Tóibín in a bid to secure funding for the project. Meath County Council will also be seeking funding for the proposals from Failte Ireland and the Office of Public Works. A feasibility study for the project was carried out by the council on the possibility of creating a cycling and walking route along the banks of the Boyne between Trim and Navan. The route would connect various scenic, cultural, historic and social assets in the county and would provide a safe cycling and walking facility suitable for families. As well as raising the profile of the area as a world-class tourist attraction, it would also promote sustainable travel and physical activity. Cllr Tóibín, who initially proposed the carrying out of the study said it was important to keep the route close to the Boyne Ruver and he said a good quality surface was needed as it would not just be a walkway, but would would also be used by cyclists. He said it would mean changing the banks of the Boyne in places, putting small bridges over streams and providing surfaces where there is not currently a pathway. He said the route could be continued on to Drogheda. The proposal would see the walkway linking the many tourist sites along the banks of the Boyne, including Trim Castle and the Bru na Boinne Centre, as well as many other historic sites along the way. Cllr Tóibín said if the project was to go ahead, it would mean a massive addition to business and employment in the county as well as being a great facility for local people. He said it was important to get all the stakeholders together at this stage and to source funding for the proposal. "It would mean millions of euro in revenue to the county if it was completed," he said.#proposal for a Boyne Valley cycling and walking route aimed at attracting tourism to the county has been entered in the nationwide 'Your Country Your Call' competition.