HUGE CASH INJECTION FOR WALKS
€350,000 for Tintern trails and New Ross flood wall walkway
A MASSIVE €350,000 has been allocated to two recreation projects in the New Ross district.
A new looped riverside walkway along the flood protection works has received funding of €342,800, while €8,400 has been allocated to routes at Tintern Abbey.
The 2.5km New Ross riverside walkway will run from the Kennedy Monument along the river as far as Aldi and return on the main road.
A NEW WALKWAY will be built along the River Barrow opening up a whole new vista of New Ross.
The walkway will be largely funded by a grant of €342,800 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme while Wexford County Council will fund 20 per cent of the project.
The loop walkway will be a 2.5km route along the river starting at the Kennedy Monument past the Marina along the flood defence wall ending around Aldi before walkers will come back out onto the main road and walk back into the town centre along the footpath.
Director of Services Eamonn Hore said that ‘ when the walk way is developed it will open up a whole new vista of New Ross. Half of the walk will be along the river front and it will showcase the river and the views of the bridge.’
Work on the walkway will start before the end of the year when the flood protection works are completed and Mr Hore said it is expected to take about six months to complete which would see it opened up by next summer.
A number of notice boards will be placed strategically along the route detailing the history, culture and biodiversity of the river and its surrounds.
Mr Hore said the walkway will also be fully wheelchair accessible.
€8,400 was also allocated for routes at Tintern Abbey. Minister Paul Kehoe said: ‘Investment in facilities which improve the attractiveness of an area have a lasting impact on the local economy, providing a welcome boost to the tourism and hospitality sector and assisting in the creation of sustainable jobs.
‘As the appetite for outdoor recreational pursuits continues to grow, investment in projects such as these are key to Wexford benefiting from an increase in activity seekers. The improved amenities will also add to the enjoyment of the area by locals.’