Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
49. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of funding and delivery of the greenway project for Naas, Sallins and Ardclough to the Dublin section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17761/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not currently have an open call for Greenways funding and is therefore not considering any greenway proposals at present.
As you will be aware my Department is in the process of developing a National Strategy for the future development of Greenways. The strategy will ensure that Greenways are constructed to an appropriately high standard in order to provide a quality experience for all users.
Following publication of the Strategy my Department will announce a Greenway funding call to local authorities. The current budget available to my Department for the delivery of Greenways for the period 2018 to 2021 is almost €56m. I expect to announce the criteria for awarding funding after the Strategy is published, with funding awarded late in 2018. This is to provide local authorities with as much time as possible to progress the planning of their Greenway proposals. The Strategy is expected to be published by the end of Q2, 2018.
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.
