Investment in activity-based tourism, including Ireland’s greenways, was announced on Friday as a priority over the period of the Project Ireland 2040 National Development Plan.

Greenways will be a part of a number of measures that the Government has said will be delivered to support further regional investment in the existing experience brands, the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East, and a new brand for the midlands region.

Appropriate investment in the development and enhancement of tourist attractions, including historical and heritage sites, will also be important in providing the type of experience that visitors are seeking, according to the plan.

Examples of investments such as these, which are due to be opened in 2018, include Fanad Lighthouse and the Sliabh League Visitor Centre in Co Donegal.

Measures such as these are to assist in growing tourism in rural communities, which is a central component of national tourism policy.

It was announced in the National Development Plan that the Government’s greenways strategy is expected to be published in the first or second quarter of the year.

The estimated cost of the strategy will be determined subject to proposals received in a new funding call, following completion of the strategy.

Almost €56m has been made available in the capital plan from 2018-2021 and the development of greenways will be ongoing over the period of the National Development Plan.

Projects

Greenway projects to be delivered in 2018/2019 include the completion of the Kildare and Meath sections of the Galway to Dublin Greenway.

It is expected that a number of new greenways projects will be funded and delivered over the period of the National Development Plan, the funding for which will be allocated on the basis of a competitive bid-based approach.

The goal of a coast-to-coast greenway from Dublin to Galway remains a priority for the Government and in light of the development of the greenways strategy.

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Project Ireland 2040: Government to invest in greenways

Measures to assist in growing tourism in rural communities, such as greenways, will be developed by the Government under the Project Ireland 2040 National Development Plan.