It’s claimed the potential for spin-off businesses in East Clare cannot be underestimated, if a Shannon Greenway is given the go-ahead.
The proposed route, which would stretch from Cavan to Clare would be the longest in the country, and now the Transport Minister has indicated his department may support the plan.
Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch reports:
The River Shannon runs over 360km from its source in Co. Cavan down to the Shannon Estuary here in Clare, and while it’s already popular with boating and fishing tours, an off-road walking and cycling route is now being floated.
It’s the brainchild of East Clare businessman Eoin O’Hagan, who wants to see this county emulate the success of Mayo and Waterford’s greenways.
Both those counties have seen a significant boost since their respective projects launched, and Eoin says it’s an investment in local communities.
€56 million is to be spent on developing greenways in Ireland between now and 2021, with the government’s greenway strategy to be launched in the coming month.
There’s also a prequisite that food, drink and accommodation facilities should be in place at least every 20km.
The Department of Transport is expecting a strong response to the callout, with interested stakeholders being urged to begin work on applications immediately.
Transport Minister Shane Ross says there will be many applications to consider and he believes the Shannon proposal will be one such candidate.
