Vol. 497 No. 5
316 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the discussion or communication, if any, he has had with statutory agencies in relation to the tourism potential of disused railway lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25701/98]
While the use of railway lines is essentially a matter for CIE and my colleague, the Minister for Public Enterprise, disused lines are regularly looked at by various local interests with a view to exploiting their potential for the development of tourism amenities such as walking, cycling and pony trekking routes.
Agreement has been secured in a number of instances by local groups to incorporate stretches of disused lines into such routes. However, a number of difficulties have been identified in the past, such as sections of disused line already being used for house construction and agricultural purposes.
Studies also indicate that the costs associated with the conversion of derelict railway lines to suitable cycling, walking or pony trekking routes are very high, particularly in relation to providing adequate security for those likely to use such facilities.
Nonetheless Bord Fáilte, Shannon development and the regional tourism authorities, will continue to help tourism interests to explore the possibilities of developing such disused railway lines as suitable tourist amenities both in their local areas, and as part of longer routes with broader geographic bases.
