Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy McNamara for raising the issue of the Limerick to Scarriff greenway. I am aware of the project, which is very exciting. I am a big fan of greenways both as a local active amenity for people who live in the area but also as something that can be very attractive for tourists. It very much speaks to the Government's current strategy of trying to get longer-stay tourists to come into the country for more sustainable breaks.

The project is at phase 2 where technical advisers are examining options for a preferred route and undertaking extensive stakeholder engagement. Proposals to allow the use of ESB lands for the greenway are currently being considered by the ESB and further meetings are envisaged. Thereafter, and subject to agreement with the ESB, it is proposed to finalise the route options and a preferred route consultation is expected after the summer. A figure of €70,000 has been allocated to the project so far, and a further €80,000 will be allocated in 2023.

Waterways Ireland, Clare County Council and Limerick City and County Council are currently engaged in the phase 2 option selection process. All reasonable feasible route corridors will be examined and their costs, benefits and effects on the environment will be interrogated to identify a preferred option. If approved, the project will then progress to phase 3, which is design and environmental evaluation. That includes assessment of the routes through the ESB lands between Clonlara and O'Briensbridge. All relevant stakeholders are working together on a collaborative basis to identify the best route and are confident that a solution can be found in the near future.

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