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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Boyne Valley greenway

Summary

Senator Reilly welcomed a greenways fund application that would link Newgrange, the Boyne Valley and the Battle of the Boyne site. He presented it as a positive regional tourism project.

Given the season that is in it, I wish all my fellow Members a happy Christmas. I wish all the staff well too. They work so hard to support us.

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As once again the acoustics in the House are not great, I did not hear what the Senator said, but I do not need to.

I welcome the application made to the greenways fund by Fingal County Council, Louth County Council and Meath County Council. My colleagues, Councillor O'Leary and Councillor Sharon Tolan, have been engaged with this. The application will link Newgrange, a magnificent 5,200 year old Neolithic passage tomb, with the Boyne Valley, including Knowth and Dowth and other passage tombs. It will continue through Oldbridge to the site of the Battle of the Boyne. It will continue on to Mornington over to Bremore Castle in Balbriggan which has the capacity to accommodate six times the number of people accommodated in Bunratty Castle for banquets. As a total of 350,000 people pass through Bunratty Castle each year, the potential is extraordinary. All of this is linked by rail with Newbridge House in Donabate. The proposed greenway passes though Ardgillan Castle and on to Skerries with its windmills and restaurants.

This is a no-brainer. It is a magnificent opportunity to create an irresistible tourism offering. Given my role as spokesman for the Government on business and enterprise, I see this as a critical undertaking in terms of Brexit-proofing the tourism industry. We know that we are not getting as many visitors from the UK. We know that the tourism industry will face challenges. This is a way of attracting an already established large group, namely, the substantial number of people aged between 60 and 80 years. They are healthy and have disposable wealth, are looking for offerings that can promote their health and want to enjoy safe walking and cycling. That is what this greenway would be. This proposed greenway is a wonderful opportunity for families from Dublin to engage. It is also a wonderful opportunity for the Dublin Airport Authority, which brought in 30 million visitors last year. The DAA could direct visitors to spend a half-day that is free before they head off down the country elsewhere. It is a no-brainer at many levels.

Will the Leader have the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to the House come to the House as well as the Minister for Finance? I have called for this before and reiterate that call now. I am demanding that we put at least €200 million into a national greenway grid in the coming five years. This will allow us to release the potential of our fantastic historical sites, beaches and greenways throughout the country. It will serve for the betterment not only of the tourism industry but also the health and well-being of the people. Moreover, it will enable families to cycle in safety together.

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