National Cycle Network

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 January 2014

Thursday, 16 January 2014

Questions (350, 351, 352)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

350. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if grant aid will be provided for the development of a greenway from Glenbeigh to Caherciveen and Renard in south Kerry along the route of the old Farranfore to Valentia Great Southern Railway line; if he appreciates the potential of such a development in view of the breathtaking scenery and engineering features such as viaducts, tunnels and bridges; when he expects a decision to be made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1955/14]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

351. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if grant aid will be provided for the development of a greenway from Tralee to Fenit along the route of the old railway line; if he appreciates the potential of such a development in view of the fact the line to Mounthawk from Tralee town centre has already been completed; when he expects a decision to be made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1956/14]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

352. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if grant aid will be provided for the development of a greenway from Listowel to Kilmorna along the route of the old Great Southern Railway line; if he appreciates the potential of such a development in view of the fact the proposed greenway would then link up with the greenway already completed from Rathkeale to the Limerick and Kerry border; when he expects a decision to be made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1957/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 350 to 352, inclusive, together.

In August 2013, my Department announced a second round of funding for cycle infrastructure under the National Cycle Network Programme and the closing date for applications was 15 November.  It is intended that approx. €6.5 million will be allocated to local authorities for the development of such infrastructure over the period 2014 to 2016.

Kerry County Council submitted two applications for greenway projects under the Programme.  The applications relate to a proposal for a greenway from Glenbeigh to Renard Point, Caherciveen as well as a proposal for a greenway on the North Kerry Line, a 9km extension of the 39 km Great Southern Trail between the Kerry/Limerick border to Listowel.

In total, my Department has received thirty-eight applications from twenty-eight local authorities.  All proposals are currently being assessed by an expert panel comprising of officials from my Department, the National Transport Authority, the National Trails Office and Fáilte Ireland.  It is expected that successful projects will be announced in the coming weeks.

Given the funding available, I expect that only 2 or 3 projects, or phases of projects, will be funded.  Kerry County Council's applications will be assessed as part of the overall competitive process and will be measured against the criteria outlined in the funding call in August 2013.  Priority will be given to those projects with most potential to become world class, trip attracting cycle ways.