Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 October 2018
203. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will accept a part application from a group wishing to make a submission for funding for a greenway (details supplied); if there will be a second round of funding in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42638/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding applications are currently open to Local Authorities and State Agencies for the construction of Greenways under the new Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways until 30 November 2018. It is also open to community groups working alongside their Local Authority/State Agency to develop a Greenway proposal, but the final application must be made by the Local Authority or State Agency. Projects that have clarity regarding access to the land on which the Greenway will be built as well as having planning permission in place, or that are expected to have planning permission in place in the near future, will be well placed to secure funding.
The question of further rounds of funding will depend on the quality of the applications received in this round. Funding will be awarded to projects that are assessed as best meeting the criteria laid out in the Strategy. If not enough quality applications are received and not all of the funding available is allocated, then further calls may be issued. However, this is a long term strategy and, in the context of future capital plans, I will be seeking further funding for Greenways for the years beyond 2021.
