Vol. 557 No. 6
210 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will provide funds for the completion of the Boyne walkway in view of the fact that its non-completion is causing considerable nuisance to landowners and walkers alike; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23142/02]
It was decided in 1997, as part of the implementation of the Boyne Valley, integrated development plan, that the then Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht would provide funding of €660,260, £520,000, for the development of a walkway along the Boyne. It was also decided at that time that Meath County Council was best placed to provide and maintain this amenity.
All funding approved for the project by the former Department has been released to the council. To date Meath County Council has expended €601,260 on the project. A further €31,740 is now due for payment in respect of works on the provision of a car park at Roughgrange, leaving a balance of €27,400 to be expended on the walkway. My Department will be in further contact with Meath County Council to determine the level of work which remains to be completed and how best the remaining funds can be expended so as to alleviate the difficulties still being experienced by both landowners and walkers.
