THE development of a ‘Blueway’ from the canal to Fenit will have to wait as there is currently no funding available.

Cllr. Deirdre Ferris asked for an update on the Tralee Bay and Canal feasibility study for a proposed Blueway and associated water activities, at the meeting of the Tralee Municipal District of Kerry County Council on Tuesday.

The Blueway would be an area where swimming, kayaking and other water activities could take place from the canal to Fenit and beyond, thus creating a further tourism attraction for the greater Tralee area.

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In reply, Council management said they had sought funding approval through the Urban Regeneration Development Fund to begin the process by undertaking an extensive engineering survey of the entire circa 2.5km length of the Canal and prepare designs and a plan to enable its use as a safe and healthy Blueway that achieves blue flag status and provides a dynamic link to Tralee Bay.

Unfortunately, this element of funding was not approved. Currently Transport Infrastructure Ireland are undertaking extensive works to the southern bank, strengthening the canal wall to ensure the stability of that part of the N86 Dingle road.

The Council said they will continue to seek to source funding opportunities to support the development of the Blueway.