Waterways Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is working closely with Local Authorities and The National Transport Authority along the route of the Royal and Grand canals to advance development of the canal towpaths into long distance Greenways for walking and cycling.
With regard to the development of towpath from Castleknock to Fingal County border at Confey, a distance of 8km, Fingal County Council, funded by the National Transport Authority, has appointed consultants to investigate the options for the towpath development with a view to bring a scheme through the planning process. Waterways Ireland have informed me that work on this section will be dependent on the outcome of the planning application and then subject to funding.
Planning permission for towpath upgrade from Confey to Maynooth a distance of 9km in Kildare county, was granted in 2017. Consultants have been appointed by Kildare County Council to take the project to detailed design and tender with the intention to tender and appoint a contractor before the end of 2018. This work is being funded by the National Transport Authority. Subject to continued funding this element of towpath development should commence early 2019.
