Greenway will put Belturbet on the map
A focus on investment in a nationwide network of greenways is benefiting Belturbet.
The greenway project in the Erneside town will centre on the Castlesaunderson and Cloverhill areas. It’s intended to run along the River Erne to Canal Lough One at Corriquill. It will also link into Dromod and Ballinamore in neighbouring County Leitirm and on to Sligo. The infrastructure will also extend north into County Fermanagh along the Ulster Canal and on through Clones and Smithborough then onwards into County Armagh.
Independent Belturbet Councillor, Brendan Fay, detailed the plans last week.
“The development of this greenway, together with allied facilities en-route, will really put Belturbet on the map,” said a delighted Cllr Fay, as cruisers and boats gently bobbed in the waters at the jetty.
Waterways Ireland, in association with Fáilte Ireland and with the support of the 10 local authorities adjoining the Shannon Erne Waterway - Cavan, Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Galway, Offaly, Tipperary, Clare and Limerick - has developed a Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon Erne Waterway and its implementation is already underway.
This Tourism Masterplan was launched recently by Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage and Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht and Media.
Cllr Fay said that the Belturbet Greenway section will benefit under this plan and it is envisaged that the opening up of the Ulster Canal will re-energise border regions.
Turbet Island plans
He observed that funding has been approved for a service bay, including toilets and showers, along the river and he hopes work on this project can commence this year.
“The Geopark will be rebranded,” explained Cllr Fay. “Belturbet is part of that Geopark and there are exciting projects planned for Turbet Island. Waterways Ireland have indicated that there will be significant investment along the river and walkways to form part of the futuristic thinking around the Geopark.
“E-bikes and tours will also feature in the roll-out of the projects.”
Funding was granted, in liaison with Cavan County Council, under the Towns Revitalisation Scheme to provide facilities at the entry to Turbet Island for motor homes and the kiosks feature power and water.