My Department is fully supportive of the development of cycle ways and walking routes along canal paths and recognises the benefits of these initiatives. In general, it is a matter for relevant local authorities to progress and submit proposals for the development of such routes to the Department or to a relevant agency.
The agencies which come under the remit of the my Department and which have a role in the development of walking and cycling ways are the National Transport Authority and the National Trails Office. I have forwarded your question to those agencies for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within ten days please advise my private office.
With regard to projects being developed by local authorities along routes controlled by Waterways Ireland with direct funding by my Department, €451,000 has been granted to Westmeath County Council under the National Cycle Network Programme for the development a cycle route along the Royal Canal in Westmeath. This cycle way will form part of the proposed Dublin-Galway Greenway.