The recently appointed Minister of State for Rural Development, Ann Phelan, TD, who paid an unexpected visit to the Royal Canal at Coolnahay, Mullingar on Monday morning of this week, 29 September was told that the new Canal cycle/walk- way from Coolnahay to the Longford border is to be completed by May, 2015.
Minister of State Phelan visited the local amenity area to view at first hand the work already done in developing a cycleway and walkway from Dublin to the Shannon alongside the waterway.
During her visit, she was shown around by Mr. Barry Kehoe, Director of Services with Westmeath County Council, who informed her about of the work already completed along the Canal way by the Council, in conjunction with Waterways, and explained that the extension of the Canal scheme, from Coolnahay to the Longford county boundary, is to be completed by May 2015.
The Minister of State arrived unannounced on Monday morning, as part of a fact-finding exercise to several locations in the midlands and further north, but before leaving she was treated to a quick ‘cuppa’ by Claire and Paddy Crinnegan of Coolnahay – who have restored the old lockhouse alongside the Canal’s 26th lock in recent years. Coolnahay has already gained a reputation as a favourite stopping-off spot for cyclists and walkers who frequent the tranquil Royal Canal leisure route.
The Minister, who was accompanied by Private Secretary Aidan Kelly, also chatted with two Waterways Ireland employees, Seamus Cocoman and Tommy Farrell, from Rhode, Co. Offaly, who were working on fence repairs at Coolnahay Bridge when she arrived, and the new Minister showed a keen interest in the maintenance work along the Royal Canal by Waterways Ireland, and the Canal’s attractiveness as a public amenity.
While in Coolnahay, the Minister also met a Swiss visitor who is currently walking the length of the Royal Canal, and who intends to travel on foot alongside all of Ireland’s waterways. She had already walked from Dublin to Coolnahay, and like the Minister, enjoyed a cup of tea in the lockhouse. The overseas visitor appreciated the hospitality, and has great admiration for Ireland’s waterway network.
Local cyclists, using the canalside amenity, also chatted with Minister Phelan during her brief visit.
A MAJOR TASK
Minister of State Phelan, a member of the Labour Party, and in public life for a decade, was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2011 in her first general election, and became the first woman TD from the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency. In July this year, she became the first Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Economic Development and Rural Transport (aimed at implementing the CEDRA report) and she knows that she faces a major task in seeking to assist rural areas. While Minister Simon Coveney has responsibility for agricultural affairs, the Minister of State is devoting her full attention to all other rural activities, particularly where these can produce jobs and improve the economic wellbeing of local communities.
