46km Kildare canal cycling and walking path to be completed by early next year

The Barrow Blueway, a 46km canal path cycling and walking path along the Grand Canal from Robertstown to Athy, Co Kildare will be completed by the early months of next year.

In a response to a query from Social Democrats TD for Kildare North Aidan Farrelly, Waterways Ireland has confirmed that the works - which began in 2020 - on the almost €6 million project will finish in the first quarter of 2026.

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After four years' work, significant section of the Blueway are already complete, opening up the canal bank for walkers and cyclists – and specifically not motorised transport.

The Blueways have been designed to enhance recreational infrastructure and deliver meaningful benefits to local communities.

Waterways Ireland said that once complete, the Blueways will serve as catalyst for local economic development, support community wellbeing, and improve access to high-quality, nature-based experiences.

The news was welcomed by Deputy Farrelly who said he was looking forward to the completion of the Blueway.

“I’m also looking forward to the completion of the route from Robertstown to Sallins, and all the sections from there back into Dublin that are incomplete,” he said.

“All over the country where Greenways and Blueways have been established there has been an increase in prosperity increased interaction by tourists and locals alike.

“And - research shows - very often they will open up commuting opportunities which can take numerous people out of their cars and off our roads.”