Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2015
853. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the grant application submitted to his Department in respect of the development of the Leitrim-Cavan greenway; when this application will be approved, and funding allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30362/15]
View answer854. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the grant application submitted to his Department in respect of the development of the Sligo-Leitrim greenway; when this application will be approved, and funding allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30363/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 853 and 854 together.
Cavan County Council (in partnership with Leitrim County Council) and Sligo County Council each submitted proposals under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016 for the development of greenways along the disused Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties railway. While both proposals had considerable merit, it was not possible to award funding for either given that the number of applications submitted far outweighed available resources.
I understand from my officials that in the interim the authorities involved have continued to develop these proposals so as to be best placed to avail of future Department funding calls. It is possible given the popularity and success of greenways delivered to date that funding may become available outside of the Department's structured funding calls. In 2014, €10 million from the €200 million Government Stimulus Package for infrastructural development was earmarked for the development of greenways and 11 projects were selected to receive funding.
Ireland will also have access to EU funding over the period 2014 to 2020 from a number of European Structural Investment funds including the European Regional Development Fund. There will also be a new EU Programme for Cross Border Co-operation (INTERREG V) and a new EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE IV) 2014-2020. There is potential for authorities in the Border counties who have worked up cycle proposals to position themselves for consideration under these funding streams. I feel confident that the project teams associated with these two proposals are investigating every funding avenue and my Department is available to offer any assistance possible.
