New looped Kells walk and cycleway is completed

The new 5km looped walk/cycleway around the by-pass in Kells has been welcomed by Cllr Sarah Reilly.

Cllr Reilly submitted an application for the project under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme back in 2018.

“It’s not often that, as a councillor, you get to successfully see a €500,000 funding project from application submission to completion. It really makes the job worthwhile.

“Huge credit needs to go Minister Helen McEntee and a number of other local community groups. Minister McEntee convinced Minister Michael Ring, who had control over the purse strings, of the merits of the project.

“Meath Sports Partnership, Kells Swimming Pool, Gaeil Colmcille CLG, Boyne Valley Pink Ribbon and Kells Local Heroes also played a significant role. They gave the application an extra layer of credibility by providing supporting documentation.”

“For many of us Covid-19, has reignited an appreciation for the outdoors and personal space. Many are walking, running and cycling more. Many are achieving a better life balance. These changes need to be encouraged and supported. In this respect our new piece of infrastructure in Kells is very timely,” said Cllr Reilly.

Welcoming the completion of the works Minister McEntee said: “In late 2018 I was delighted to help secure €500,000 in funding through the Government's Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for the provision of a walk / cycleway along the N52 ring road on the outskirts of Kells.

“It was a pleasure to support Cllr Sarah Reilly and other local groups who have all worked solidly together to make sure this project became the reality it is today.

“It is a fantastic new amenity for Kells. This walk / cycleway will make a huge difference to Kells and its hinterland. It will enable all the residents to avail of safe, secure and healthy walking and cycling along the ring road.

“Well done to all the local groups involved in getting the project to this stage, where it will soon be open for the public to enjoy”.