Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is right when he says that this project represents great value for money. Westmeath County Council is to be complimented on the work it has done to date. If we are to get true value for money, we need to have the greenway open in its entirety. That is when we will really see its potential reached. Fáilte Ireland chose the most scenic and beautiful route from Athlone to Galway in order to attract tourists to use this product. I ask the Minister to move this development on by proceeding with the necessary negotiations with the relevant landowners and ensuring the project can advance. In some areas, ownership is not in question and there are disputes with local authorities, etc. As the Minister mentioned, planning permission has been approved for Meath, parts of Longford and parts of Athlone. Can he indicate when he will be in a position to provide the necessary funding to allow these links to proceed without delay?

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