The Government has officially opened the Boynevalley to Lakelands Greenway which stretches from Navan in County Meath to the Dun an Rí Forest Park in Kingscourt, County Cavan.

The new greenway provides a 30 kilometre bicycle and walking path along the former Midland Great Western Railway.

Funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), along with contributions from the Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Meath County Council, and Cavan County Council, made the completion of this project possible.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D said:

"Projects like this greenway are not just places where we can go for a walk, a run or a cycle. They are places where we can come together as family and friends – they have become social outlets for so many more people over the last few years. My Department have provided over €2.1 Million since 2018 to develop and enhance this wonderful recreation amenity. I have always placed great importance on investment in our outdoor amenities – our rivers, our lakes, our walkways and cycleways. It has provided a real boost both socially and economically to rural Ireland, allowing for the recreational enhancement of local facilities which can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike."

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Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers T.D stated:

"I am delighted that my Department could support the development of the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, with approximately €3 million allocated to the project. This 30km route will provide many people with safe, segregated and accessible active travel infrastructure and support them to choose walking and cycling as a means of travel more regularly."

While in Meath, Minister Humphreys formally opened a new community centre in Kilmainhamwood. This initiative involved the restoration of a derelict building into a versatile community hub, complete with remote working amenities.

Speaking at this event, Minister Humphreys said:

"This transformative project saw the repurposing of the former derelict McMahon’s Building to create this beautiful community space, complete with room for remote working. It’s a welcoming and vibrant amenity in the heart of your community. I want to congratulate you all on the excellent work done to date in Kilmainhamwood, and I would like to acknowledge the work of the Kilmainhamwood Area Development Association and the whole community, with the support of Meath County Council, in getting this project to fruition."

This project received €250,000 in funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This scheme has now invested over €177 million in almost 1,800 projects across the country.