A Greenway can be described as an attractive trail mainly used for recreational purposes by people of all abilities and mobilities for non-motorised journeys such as walking and cycling.
Vision Statement for the Boyne Greenway Navan to Oldbridge
‘To create a safe, attractive and environmentally sympathetic canal and river side walking and cycling route between Andy Brennan Park in Navan and the main gates of Oldbridge Estate, in tandem with the sensitive restoration of the Boyne navigation route.
The completed scheme will provide access and connectivity to the towns and villages in the Boyne Valley which will encourage and facilitate physical activity and create a sense of ownership among the adjacent communities.
The Boyne Greenway and Navigation Restoration will be a flagship tourism scheme of regional, national and international significance which will provide access to the wealth and diversity of ecological, cultural, industrial and historical heritage within the Boyne Valley.’
The development of the Boyne Greenway aligns with Meath County Council's Development Plan 2021-2027 overall strategic vision to ‘improve the quality of life of all citizens in Meath by creating an environment that supports a vibrant growing economy and a well-connected place to live, learn and do business” and also the specific objective “to continue the development of a network of Greenways in the County in accordance with the Department of Transport's Strategy for Future Development of Greenways”.
The Boyne Greenway aims to be a flagship tourism scheme of regional, local and national significance providing access to the ecological, cultural, industrial and historical heritage within the Boyne Valley, part of Ireland's Ancient East. As well as promoting and facilitating tourism and recreation, the Greenway will offer an attractive alternative transport choice for commuters through its links with the large towns of Drogheda and Navan. This greenway will greatly benefit County Meath's residents and visitors alike.
The design aims to integrate a pedestrian and cycle route within sensitive natural and built heritage sites, whilst achieving a balance between conservation and public uses such as leisure, recreation and tourism.
The Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan includes County Meath and shows an indicative Greenway route along the River Boyne. The emerging preferred route now on display fits in with this national aim and inter-connectivity of routes.
Meath County Council is the lead authority progressing the Boyne Greenway Navan to Oldbridge project. Transport Infrastructure Ireland(TII) are the overseeing authority for this project, and indeed for the majority of Greenways in Ireland.
Funding for this project has primarily been been provided from The Department of Rural and Community Development's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Benefits of the Scheme
The Boyne Greenway Navan to Oldbridge will have a range of benefits including:
Respecting and managing recreational activity through sensitive environment and heritage sites
Promoting recreational activities
Promoting physical activity, health and wellbeing
Providing a valuable link to the River Boyne and it’s natural heritage and intrinsic beauty
Improving connectivity between Navan and East Meath including Hayestown, Senchalstown, Beauparc, Yellow Furze, Slane, Rosnaree, Donore and Oldbridge
Providing safe and attractive walking and cycling physical infrastructure that facilitates leisure, tourist and commuting purposes
Facilitating a shift to sustainable modes of transport such as walking and cycling
Encouraging tourism to support both local and regional economies
Fulfilling county, regional and national development plan objectives.