Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair for bringing clarity to the issue. It is important we hear from the petitioners. It is a significant petition of 26,000 signatures. It is the biggest we will ever get at this level of the committee. The topic was well aired by the previous speaker who has good knowledge of what is happening on the ground. We have seen the success of greenway projects throughout the country. In our part of the world, as Deputy Buckley will be aware, in Waterford, it has been a fantastic success. I spent many days with my family there in the summer. It provides a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get out and be active. There are huge economic, social, physical and mental benefits to having a greenway. The petition, which received the support of 26,000 people, needs to be heard. The Chair's contribution that we need the petitioners to be brought before us is warranted. That is an important part of this committee's work.