Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 December 2016
496. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount of expenditure allocated in 2017 to the Wild Atlantic Way and greenways considering the programme for Government commitment of €100 million capital investment in the Wild Atlantic Way and greenways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40796/16]
View answerThe Programme for Government provides that the Government will set aside €100 million in additional capital funding for investment in the Wild Atlantic Way, Greenways and a number of other initiatives. This commitment covers a number of funding programmes and Departments. Consideration of how best to allocate funding for these areas will form part of the mid-term review of the Capital Investment Plan that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will be commencing in early 2017.
In regard to the Wild Atlantic Way, my Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects, which are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. In regard to Fáilte Ireland's plans in regard to the Wild Atlantic Way in 2017, I have asked the agency to respond to the Deputy directly. Please contact my private office if you do not hear within ten working days.
With regard to my Department's responsibility in respect of sustainable transport, under the Capital Plan €100 million is committed to smarter travel and carbon reduction measures which includes funding for the further development of greenways. My Department is currently developing a new strategy to set out a cohesive and forward looking approach to the development, funding and promotion of greenways and intends to consult with stakeholders in the coming months. The outcome of this consultation and the resulting strategy will inform my Department's approach in relation to the allocation of available greenway funding in 2017 and beyond.
