Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross announced that €40m will be invested into 10 Greenway projects across the country. Offaly was one of ten successful applicants from a possible 22 projects, with €2.35m to be invested to complete the Tullamore to Daingean route.

The application was secured after successful collaboration between Offaly County Council and Waterways Ireland. This project will complete the Tullamore to Daingean stretch and link Daingean to Boora with 38km of Greenway. The facility will allow local communities to get out and enjoy all the health benefits associated with been active. In addition, activity tourism has become a major decision maker for tourists visiting Ireland, particularly walking and cycling in safe scenic areas. County Offaly and its communities stand to gain from this development, providing another reason for both domestic and international visitors to travel to the county.

The Greenway will play a vital role in regards to the county’s development plan and the Governments long term vison, Ireland 2040. Grand Canal. There are numerous benefits to all users of Greenways, including improved health, improved air quality, improved accessibility to transport, reduced traffic congestion and reduced transport costs. It will not stop there either, with further stretches of the Greenway proposed for development, east to Edenderry and west to Shannon Harbour.

Speaking on hearing the announcement, Offaly’s Tourism Officer Olive Farrelly said ‘We are extremely excited on receiving this funding to further continue our works on the Grand Canal Greenway.  As the greenway develops further we hope to see an increase in our visitor numbers.  It’s also an important asset for the Offaly natives; it will not only boost the local economy but also benefit the health of our community’

For those who ish to find out more about the Greenway and the nearest access available to them they contact the Visit Offaly team on +353 57 93 46800 or by email