An East Galway TD has welcomed a proposed new development in Portumna by Waterways Ireland.
Minister for the Diaspora and International Development Ciaran Cannon has said that the development will take tourism in Portumna to a new level and lead to a major upgrade in water-based recreational infrastructure.
“I was pleased to see that Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland recently signed a Strategic Partnership Programme focused on the delivery of a programme of works to enhance the quality of the visitor and user experience along Waterway Ireland’s waterways in Ireland, including The Shannon Navigation, for recreational purposes.
The first phase will involve the development of a new multi-use leisure route or Blueway, which will be 2.4km in length, connecting Portumna Bridge to the Lough Derg Water Recreation Park, via a new boardwalk, and onwards to Portumna Forest Park. There will also be provision for a new car parking and amenity area at the Lough Derg Water Recreation Park.
Phase 2 of the development will see the construction of a new eight-berth marina and car parking area at Connaught Harbour.
Minister Cannon said that this proposed development will be greeted with much excitement in Portumna and it would build on the huge potential of the Shannon.
“I also believe this development would take tourism in Portumna to a whole new level and lead to a major upgrade in water-based recreational infrastructure,” he concluded.
