A new community Tourism group have formed in Kilcock in response to the planned Dublin to Galway cycle route. The cycle route is planned along the Royal Canal paths and old rail lines. The first section of the planned cycleway is to be completed by the end of the year. The Integrated Services Programme and Kilcock Business Association hosted a meeting in April to discuss the possibilities that could emerge with the development of the inter-urban cycle route which will run through Kilcock. Thirty people from a range of interests attended the meeting. It was agreed to form a Tourism group to progress ideas highlighted. This group is supported by the Integrated Services Programme and have met regularly since the initial meeting and will build on the heritage, business and community opportunities that exist. Members of the Tourism group include representation from the Royal Canal Amenity Group, Kilcock Business Association, Kilcock Community Network, Triathlon club, and Royal Canal enthusiasts.
Jonathan Deane, Kildare County Council Area Engineer, informed the Tourism group that Part 8 planning proposal and particulars of the proposed Cycle path development will be available for inspection in Kilcock library and in the County Councils head office in Aras Chill Dara, Naas on the 20th May. This is a key opportunity for public consultation and all suggestions and comments will be carefully considered.
Kilcock is ideally situated along the Royal Canal and offers many heritage attractions, sports and social clubs and quality dining experiences. The Tourism subgroup are currently working on a number of projects including a Community Survey to assess needs for visitors and those already using the Canal, a Royal Canal Clean-up campaign and the development of a Heritage trail. The Tourism group have also established a Facebook page ‘Discover Kilcock’. https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverKilcock