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Greenways Development

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Questions (1090, 1091)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

1090. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to publish the greenways strategy; the reason for the delay in publishing same in view of the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1382 of 16 January 2018, that he hoped to publish the strategy in the first quarter of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25075/18]

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Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

1091. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when further funding will be provided for the part of the Connemara greenway from Oughterard to Clifden (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25076/18]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1090 and 1091 together.

The Greenways Strategy will provide a framework for the development of Ireland's greenways and will determine the type of project to be funded by my Department over the coming decade. This is a long term Strategy with the aim of increasing the number, length and regional spread of greenways across the country. It will set out guidance to project promoters on matters including strategic nature, length, design standards, accommodation works and early consultation with communities and land owners along proposed routes.

It is important that the National Strategy for the future development of Greenways would be subject to indepth consultation with relevant stakeholders. That consultation has now been completed and my officials are currently finalising the Strategy. I expect to publish the Strategy in the coming month. This will be followed by call for applications later in 2018 with a view to awarding funding to a number of projects for drawdown between 2019 to 2021. In this regard, I was pleased to secure additional funding for greenways last year bringing the total available for the period 2018 to 2021 to €55.9m.

Given the increased interest in greenways in recent years I expect that there will be a strong response to this funding call. I would urge potential applicants for funding to progress their planning and design of greenways as far as possible in advance of any application for funding and to resolve any land ownership issues.

With regard to further funding for the Connemara Greenway, it will be a matter for Galway County Council in the first instance to submit a proposal to my Department, which meets the required criteria, under the upcoming funding call.

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