Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has been appointed by Meath County Council to provide consultancy and design services for a 26.5km extension of the Boyne Greenway and the restoration of the Boyne Navigation system,  a series of greenway and canals running through the Boyne Valley, one of Ireland’s most historically and environmentally significant landscapes.

The project aims to create a link between the major tourist attractions found in the towns of Drogheda and Navan in County Meath, while also providing an area for leisure purposes such as walking, cycling and canoeing within a natural landscape rich in biodiversity. The Valley is also a designated Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area and is the site of one of Ireland’s three UNESCO World Heritage sites at Brú na Bóinne.

Atkins has assembled a team of experts in greenway design, canal restoration, environmental assessment, and architectural and archaeological heritage, who also have a specific knowledge of the Boyne Valley region.

Kieran Boyle, Technical Director at Atkins, said: “The new greenway and restored Navigation will provide a new scenic link for locals and tourists alike to traverse between attractions while enjoying the historic landscape. We look forward to working with Meath County Council to create a new focal point for the region that supports more sustainable travel, encourages tourism and complements the existing setting of the valley.

Ms. Jackie Maguire, Chief Executive of Meath County Council, said, “The benefits that greenways can deliver to communities are considerable in terms of climate change, economic development and leisure amenity.”

“The proposed Boyne Greenway and Boyne Navigation Restoration Scheme will augment one of Ireland’s most significant visitor attractions at Brú na Bóinne, and other significant heritage sites, and increase the number and type of visitors to County Meath. We are delighted to have Atkins on board to deliver this project given their vast experience of greenway and navigation projects.”

Atkins has also provided design services on other greenway projects in Ireland, including the completed the Royal Canal Greenway and the Baldoyle to Portmarnock Greenway.