A new tourism initiative to market the Royal Canal greenway is to be launched later this month. The €12million euro promotion plan will focus on encouraging people to walk or cycle various different elements of the 130km route which links Maynooth to Clondra and will also link into Longford town.
A presentation outlined to local councillors in Longford this month highlighted that over 67,000 journeys passed through Clondra last year with over half of them between June and August when the Covid rules were at their lowest levels last summer.
Four local authorities, including Longford County Council, as well as counterparts in Kildare, Meath and Westmeath have developed the plan along with Waterways Ireland which it is hoped will also stimulate new businesses such as bike hire and coffee stalls along the route.
South Longford Councillor Mick Cahill says the promotion of the Royal Canal will be a major boost for tourism in Longford:
