I am supportive of plans to undertake a feasibility study of the Sligo section of the Sligo-Mayo Greenway and am fully aware of the economic and social benefits greenway projects bring to the local economy. However, while I realise that the funding required to undertake this study is relatively small the position remains that all Department funding for the development of greenways is fully committed up until 2016.
€6.3 million was awarded by my Department under the National Cycle Network Funding programme 2014-2016 to develop 3 greenway projects in Kerry, Galway and Waterford. A further 11 projects shared funded under the €200 million Government Stimulus Package for infrastructural development, €10 million of which was earmarked for the development of greenways. Details of these projects can be viewed at www.smartertravel.ie.
Should further funding become available in the interim for the development of the National Cycle Network it will then be possible to give consideration to funding other projects, or elements of projects, which are considered to have merit. I would also encourage local authorities to carry out as much preparatory work as possible within their own resources in advance of any future funding calls.
