Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 September 2019
146. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of completing and upgrading the EuroVelo network in Ireland EV1 and EV2 and adding a new section from Rosslare to Larne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38916/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Eurovelo network is a concept that was planned and initiated by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF). Any new routes would have to be considered and approved by the ECF. It is worth noting however, that, as the Eurovelo concept is for a pan-European network of linear routes, it does not include circular national routes, which the extension of EV1 from Rosslare to Larne would create. Eurovelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route – starts in Norway and traverses Scotland and Northern Ireland before entering this State, it then traverses Wales, England, France and Spain before terminating in Portugal.
My Department has funded the identification of Eurovelo 1 which is mostly on-road, with some sections of Greenway, from Donegal to Rosslare. It is expected that this route, which will be fully mapped by year-end, will be sign-posted in 2020. Some sections of EV1 may, in time, become Greenways or the route may alter to include newly completed Greenways.
With regard to Eurovelo Route 2, the Capitals Route, the section from Maynooth to Athlone is now complete comprising the Royal Canal Greenway to Mullingar and the Old Rail Trail Greenway from Mullingar to Athlone. It is my intention to pursue the completion of Eurovelo 2 by Greenway from Athlone to Galway over the coming years once an agreed route can be determined.
