Greenway links and plans for rejuvenation of Kilberry tennis courts

The need for a footpath to link Kilberry village with the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway and a proposal to rejuvenate the old tennis courts into an amenity for all ages were outlined to Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee when she visited Kilberry recently.

The Kilberry Amenity and Heritage Group (KAHG), together with the recently formed Kilberry Tennis Club Committee, met with Minister McEntee to highlight some projects that they wish to see developed in the next year or so.

The Minister was accompanied by Cllr Eugene Cassidy, who the group said has been very supportive of their endeavours over the years.

Joe Fahy, chairperson of KAHG, highlighted the need for the footpath/cycleway from the greenway to Kilberry to be constructed so that the full benefits of the greenway can be realised. He pointed out that this was included in the feasibility study that justified the greenway’s development.

"Kilberry is the first village on the greenway from Navan, with its population of nearly 40,000, and is approximately 6KM from Navan. This makes it a very desirable walking and cycling route and Kilberry has the benefit of having the Kilberry Pub and Kitchen plus a fully designed bus-stop if people wish to return by public transport. However, it can only be traversed safely if the ‘missing link’ namely, the connecting footpath, is constructed," said Joe.

The tennis courts were originally developed as grass courts in the 1940s and were the focal point for the community until they fell in to disuse in the mid-1990s, due to insurance concerns.

Minister McEntee visited the tennis courts with the group members and expressed her full support for the efforts to get the courts up and running. She also gave constructive advice on how the committee can progress the project and avail of the range of grants available for such projects.