The new Waterways Ireland development in Portumna has been approved which will see a number of improvements to local water amenities.
The €1.5 million investment will be carried out over two phases and aims to enhance infrastructure for visitors engaging with local water amenities, as well as walking and cycling facilities.
Phase one of the plan will see the the development of a new Blueway, just over 2km in length, which will connect Portumna Bridge to the Lough Derg Water Recreation Park and onwards to Portumna Forest Park.
The second phase proposes the creation of a new 8-berth marina and car park at Connaught Harbour, the repair of footpaths, and the construction of a new Toucan road crossing to the Blueway.
Commenting on the approval, East Galway TD Ciarán Cannon said that the project will be a major boost to local activity tourism and comes at a much-needed time following the economic impact of the pandemic.
The Fine Gael TD said that Portumna has a wealth of outdoor amenities, “including the Forest Park, the Hymany Way and the Marina, and all of these contribute greatly to the visitor experience and to the local tourism economy.”
“I’m confident that this development will complement those amenities and make a significant contribution to the recovery of the local tourism sector and the return of robust visitor numbers to Portumna.”
