Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 September 2018
32. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Dodder greenway project will be commenced; if it will be financed from the €53 million allocated for such projects; and if so, the process by which funds will be allocated for specific projects. [37877/18]
View answerMy Department recently launched the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways in July of this year. This Strategy provides 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 sets 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.
Applications for this funding call are currently open, with a closing date of 30 November 2018. The current budget available to my Department for the delivery of Greenways for the period 2019 to 2021 is €53m. The application form is available on my Department’s website along with other relevant documents such as the Strategy itself and the Funding Criteria document. Funding will be awarded to deserving projects that have planning significantly advanced and that best meet the criteria in the first half of 2019.
The Strategy further sets out that some Greenways will continue to be funded by the National Transport Authority under their responsibility for Cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area and the Regional Cities. This will particularly be the case where the function of the Greenway is for commuting purposes rather than tourism purposes. The Dodder Greenway, certainly at the City end, will function primarily as a commuter route and, accordingly, I understand that the Dodder Greenway is part of the NTA's GDA Cycle Network Plan.
Given the National Transport Authority's (NTA) responsibility for the development and implementation of cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area in co-operation with each local authority, I am forwarding the Deputy's question to the NTA for their consideration and comment on greenway projects under consideration and for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the NTA within 10 working days please contact my private office.
