Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
646. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the timeframe for commencing the County Kildare part of the Barrow Blueway; and the timeframe for completion of the blueway in County Kildare and the full blueway, respectively. [46557/18]
View answer647. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the estimated cost of completing the Barrow Blueway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46558/18]
View answer648. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there will be further public consultation on the Barrow Blueway in County Kildare. [46559/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 646 to 648, inclusive, together.
Waterways Ireland submitted a planning application to Kildare County Council, Laois County Council and Carlow County Council for the development of the Barrow towpath to enable it to become a Blueway. The applications were refused planning permissions in February 2018 for the ‘river’ elements of the navigation.
Waterways Ireland has subsequently appealed those decisions to An Bord Pleanála and await their outcome. It is not possible to give a timeframe for the development of the Barrow Blueway until An Bord Pleanála determine the appeal.
The estimated capital cost of developing the Barrow Blueway is €11,000,000 but this estimation may vary depending on detailed design.
Waterways Ireland will continue to explore funding options with Fáilte Ireland, the National Transport Authority and local authorities as to how the project will be funded, through possible tourism initiatives, greenway strategy and as part of possible funding of the Outdoor Recreation Plan developed by Waterways Ireland in partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland, Coillte, Bord na Móna and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of this Department.
Waterways Ireland is not required to undertake any further formal consultation with the public on the Blueway development in County Kildare.
Should An Bord Pleanála uphold the appeal, Waterways Ireland will consult with the Local Authority and those stakeholders who are regarded as being directly impacted by the development, prior to any works commencing.
