Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is a matter which has moved way up my list of priorities since I visited Athlone that day. I am not going to get involved in the rights and wrongs of the dispute or the difficulties which are obviously obstructing the progress of this greenway in the direction we had hoped. However, I am going to appeal and hope to do something in a more concrete way to ensure it will go ahead soon. The time for pausing is over. There was a pause called for and it was probably a good and sensible decision at the time. However, I am not familiar with the actual detail of the arguments between the various landowners and others in the area, but I will make an effort to see to it that they will put their heads together once again in order that we make a serious and energetic attempt to open the greenway with a great deal more speed. What the Deputy has said about the greenway is correct. Greenways have the potential to attract a significant number of tourists, particularly to the midlands. I will certainly do as much as I can in the Department to promote them and bring more tourists to the country.

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