Could Navan-Kingscourt Greenway attract 150,000 visitors a year?

NOELLE FINEGAN
Studies have suggested that a Greenway from Navan to Kingscourt could bring a potential 150,000 tourists into this region, a meeting of Navan Municipal District Council heard recently.
Cllr Edward Fennessy called on the Council to make an application for funding from the recently announced government initiative ‘Ireland's Greenway Strategy’ to finance construction of the Navan to Kingscourt Greenway Project.
“Greenways offer a new and exciting form of tourism that could revolutionise how we cater to that industry in this county. Previous studies have suggested that a Greenway from Navan to Kingscourt could bring a potential 150,000 tourists into this region, Navan would benefit no end from it,” he said.
He was told an application for funding from the Outdoor Recreational Scheme had been made for the first phase of the greenway between Navan and Wilkinstown and the Council was waiting to hear if they were successful.
The Council confirmed that it also intends to make a submission to the Department of Transport and Tourism for funding for it.
Cllr Fennessy said that the potential for job creation from such a project was significant.
“If we were to realise that potential, a Greenway could transform towns and villages along its route and open up our beautiful county to a whole new market of tourists.
“From the ancient sites of Teltown two miles from the Greenway’s starting point in Navan, to the rolling hills around Castletown and O’Carolan country in Nobber, to Dun na Rí and beyond, we have beautiful scenery to offer the world. We should open it up and be proud of it.”
He asked if it would not be worthwhile to explore new avenues of approach.
“There is €53 million available in the Greenway strategy and as far as I can see the Navan to Kingscourt Greenway matches the criteria required for a successful application. We would be foolish not to avail of it.
Director of Services, Kevin Stewart, said the Council were not precluded from applying through the new scheme even though they’ve made applications for funding elsewhere, and they would explore the possibility of making an application to the greenway strate