Almost €600,000 has been announced for a new greenway in County Cavan.

The new walking and cycling trail from Ballyconnell to Bellaheady is aimed at creating a better experience for visitors to rural areas, and to enhance the tourism offering.

The new trail is expected to be around 5km in length, and the funding for the project will be provided under the Rural Recreation Scheme.

Cavan County Council and Waterways Ireland are behind the project.

Local Minister Heather Humphreys, who announced the funding today, says Cavan has secured one of the highest allocations in the country under the scheme, and that the project has the potential to bring huge benefits to West Cavan.

She says the money will be well spent ensuring the greenway is a top class facility.

Meanwhile local Councillor for the area is Peter McVitty.

He says while no start date has been given for the work, the Council has a lot of the planning work already done.