Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 June 2014
22. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the network of greenways across the country; if he will provide an update on the greenways canal route between Dublin, Sallins and Naas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27097/14]
View answerThis Government fully supports the development of greenways. In recent months, more than €16 million has been allocated to the delivery of cycle projects nationally, with the majority of funding been invested in off-road greenways. €10 million of this amount was provided under the recently announced stimulus package for infrastructure development.
In relation to County Kildare, the National Transport Authority (in cooperation with Kildare County Council) is the body responsible for the delivery of cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Detailed plans for the development of cycling infrastructure in Kildare are contained in the National Transport Authority's Cycle Network Plan for the GDA. I am copying your request to the NTA for follow up in relation to delivery timeframes. Please contact my office if you have not received a response from the NTA within 10 working days of this response. It should be noted that responsibility for local area cycle infrastructure development rests with Kildare County Council as the competent authority.
Separately, my Department received two proposals from the Council under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016 for the delivery of the Arthur's Way Greenway and sections of greenway between Maynooth to Longwood along the Royal Canal. While the applications submitted by the Council were of a high standard, competition was strong and it was not possible to award funding to these projects under the Programme. However, Kildare has subsequently received funding for the Arthur's Way project from the Stimulus fund.
It is likely, given the popularity and success of greenways already delivered, that funding may become available from other sources over the coming years and I look forward to the participation of Kildare County Council in future funding initiatives. It will be a matter for the Council to prioritise greenway projects within the county and to examine the merits of projects, such as the canal greenway between Dublin, Sallins and Naas, in conjunction with the NTA's Cycle Network Plan.
