Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013
134. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding developing a cross-Border greenway; his plans for greenway developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40439/13]
View answerBoth myself and my Department are fully supportive of the development of greenways particularly projects that enhance co-operation and exchange between North and South. Such projects provide exciting opportunities for authorities and communities on both sides of the border to collaborate and align common objectives. It is well recognised that the provision of cycling infrastructure has the potential to attract significant benefits to local economies through tourism related opportunities as well as providing a recreational amenity for the communities concerned.
My Department is currently administering a multi annual funding programme related to the development of the National Cycle Network (NCN) to cover the period 2012 to 2016. Significant investment has already been made in 2012 and 2013 with €7 million allocated to 16 projects across Ireland. As the current phase of the programme will expire at the end of 2013, a new funding call was announced in August which will provide €6.5 million under a second round of funding associated with the NCN Programme for the remainder of the years to 2016. My Department has advised that priority will be given to those projects which are off road and have the potential to be world class trip attractors in their own right.
In relation to cross border projects, it would be a matter for interested parties on both sides of the border to work together to develop proposals. Local authorities in the border region can progress and submit, if funding is required, a proposal to this Department for consideration under the NCN Programme. My officials would be very supportive of greenway and sustainable transport projects that were also exploring potential co-funding opportunities under the INTERREG programme. I am hopeful that such cross border collaboration will allow for the continued development of greenways in the region.
