At the most recent meeting of the Naas Municipal Council, I tabled a motion to develop a “Greenway” track along the canal bank from Dublin out to Sallins and on into Naas town. The motion called on the council to engage with other stakeholders including Waterways Ireland and South Dublin County Council who will also have a major role to play in the project.

The motion was well received and council officials briefed me on a related proposal to develop the first stretch from Hazelhatch to Ardclough. This takes place by way of a s.81 agreement which I was delighted to support at the following full council meeting shortly after. I have also exchanged formal correspondence with South Dublin County Council, who have confirmed their support for the project, the next step will be a meeting with them to discuss and progress. It’s great to see this kind of project moving ahead. The canal is a fantastic resource and it’s right there on our doorstep. It is already very popular for walking, hiking etc but the development of a greenway would really enhance it and would ensure the whole route was accessible right as some parts are more challenging than others at present. It would be a great tourist feature but also locals would enjoy it for recreation and if it was bike and buggy friendly that opens up a whole family dimension as well. Greenways have proven very popular elsewhere in the country and I am delighted the council have agreed to run with this suggestion now.

With the recent works in Sallins harbour the village is really becoming attractive for day trippers and of course Ardclough has the Arthurs Way already going in. The track would extend on into Naas harbour too if all goes to plan and of course that is at the heart of the town although often hidden away as it is at the moment. I look forward to the development of this project and I am delighted the council have really ran with the ball on this one and it’s a great example of us making the most of a local resource.