USEFE in conjunction with project partners Waterways Ireland received funding to the value of €209,692 under the Rural Economic Development Zones Project (REDZ) to develop the Blueway across the USEFE region.

The Blueway Initiative was launched in June 2016. It brings tourism to the rural areas of Cavan, Leitrim, Longford and Roscommon, connecting 22 towns and villages located alongside the River Shannon and the Shannon-Erne Waterway, through a blueway. Blueways are a network of approved and branded multi-activity trails on and alongside the river and canal, allowing access to cycling, walking, canoeing and paddle-boarding along the route.

The project delivered two capital projects, regional & directional signage and a number of capacity building workshops. USEFE was instrumental in coordinating product development and marketing activities.

Creating a strong tourism proposition for the Blueway required extensive cooperation between public bodies, tourism businesses and local communities. USEFE operates as an overarching structure to recognise strategic projects and bring partners together to work collaboratively across the region.