Joe Carey
Question:80. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the Shannon greenway proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25207/18]
View answerTuesday, 12 June 2018
Questions (80)
Written answers
I aware of a mooted proposal with regard to the concept of a Shannon Greenway but no submission has been made to my Department. I understand that this proposal is still very much in its infancy and that it's development would require collaboration with the relevant local authorities as well as Waterways Ireland and the Office of Public Works, in terms of flood defence works.
In the coming month I will launch the Greenways Strategy which 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 in-depth consultation with relevant stakeholders. That consultation has now been completed and my officials are currently finalising the Strategy. 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.