Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway wins national award for community impact
The Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway has received national recognition after being named Best Transformative Capital Project at the LAMA All Ireland Community and Council Awards.
The award acknowledges the significant positive impact the greenway has had on communities across Meath and the wider region, enhancing recreation, active travel, tourism and local wellbeing since its official opening in 2024.
Developed along a former railway corridor, the greenway now links the towns and villages of Navan, Wilkinstown and Nobber, providing a high-quality shared route for walkers and cyclists.
The project was several years in development and required sustained coordination between transport agencies, Meath County Council and local representatives.
The LAMA awards recognise excellence in local government and honour initiatives that deliver tangible improvements for communities.
Meath County Council received four nominations in total. Community initiatives recognised included Best Community Transport Initiative for the Bus It to School programme and Best Green Sustainable Initiative for the Gaelic Woodland Project, delivered in partnership with Carlow County Council and Mayo County Council.
The council was also nominated for a National Impact Award for its work on Age Friendly Ireland.
Speaking at the March meeting of Meath County Council, chief executive Kieran Kehoe congratulated those involved in delivering the project.
“It is a great asset, as we all know, and it is being heavily used,” he said.
“We intend to extend it and when you see the likes of Doughty’s and the impact it has had, it is a brilliant project and showcases what we are doing, and can do, here in Meath. It is great to get national recognition for it.”
Cathaoirleach Wayne Harding also highlighted the wider economic benefits linked to the greenway, saying it shows the importance of “really well-delivered greenways”.
“Well done to everybody involved,” he said.