Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of funding for a cycleway or walkway in what is known as the greenway in Blessington, specifically, for phase 2 of the project. I will set out some of the background. One objective of the Wicklow Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2009-2013 was to explore the potential of new trails in west Wicklow. A feasibility study was carried out in 2010 and the Pollaphuca Reservoir area, which forms part of the greenway, was identified as a flagship project. More recently, Fáilte Ireland developed a destination development strategy for Kildare and Wicklow and launched a new brand identity for the region. Subsequently, this was incorporated into the Ireland's ancient east initiative. All are very welcome.

A map shows clearly that this project is sited in the main around Pollaphuca Reservoir. The area is almost entirely owned by the ESB. Irish Water is now involved among the other stakeholders, as is Wicklow County Council. There are others including BirdWatch Ireland which works on potential nature reserves.

A comprehensive scoping study was carried out. It was identified that there could be up to three extra phases. The initial phase was carried out under the auspices of the Blessington and District Forum and ran to 6.5 km. It was opened by the Minister's predecessor in February 2014. Ironically, on the same day, a new car park facility was opened at Russborough House, down the road. Part of the proposed phase 2 includes a 2 km spur to Russborough House. There has been controversy over the sale of paintings in Russborough House recently and among of the problems identified was the lack of footfall and the need to improve visitor numbers. This extension would have added to that, although it is not the primary reason for it.

The proposal was further assessed by a Fáilte Ireland assessment team in early 2014. The assessment team was shown detailed plans for the greenway following Wicklow County Council's application for funding under the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport national cycle network funding scheme for local authorities. A total of 38 projects proposed by local authorities were funded. Unfortunately, the Blessington proposal, which finished among the top two, was not. Essentially, that is why I am in the House raising the topic.

An economic impact assessment took place when the Blessington and District Forum began the project in 2011. It estimated that between domestic, overseas and local residents the economic boost in a year would be of the order of €7 million. This project stands up to scrutiny. It stood up to the expert assessment team's scrutiny. It can be completed in a year. It is shovel-ready. All the various issues have been boxed off. There are some selected alternative routes which would shorten the route somewhat and take out some of the more expensive and problematic or challenging routes. Phase 2, with the amended route, would bring the total route from 6.5 km to 34.5 km, an increase of 28 km in the length of the cycleway or walkway.

We all know the value of these facilities. We are trying to encourage outdoor activities. This route goes around the lakes and links some of the villages, including Ballyknockan and Ballymount - Ballyknockan is known as the granite village. It also links to Avon Rí, a tourist resort and there is the spur to Russborough House as well. The project is well worth funding, whatever way we have to do it. I believe it stands up to scrutiny. I call on the Minister to seriously consider the matter, whether it involves working with other agencies or entities to try to secure the funding.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Doyle for raising this matter. I am fully aware of the value of these projects. I have had the opportunity to experience a number of these cycleways and I have visited many of them throughout the country. One of the challenges I face is that in so many different counties and local authorities there is a strong demand for greenway projects like this. The script that is being handed to Deputy Doyle states that at the moment I have no additional funding for the coming period to allocate to new projects. It acknowledges that in recent years we have allocated many millions for greenway projects. A total of €6.3 million was made available last year to three local authorities for the delivery of three greenway projects. A further 11 greenway proposals were submitted by local authorities to share in stimulus funding, and €10 million was made available for the delivery of greenways.

I believe strongly in and I am passionate about the delivery of a system of integrated greenways across the country. A small number are under way but we want to get more under way. I am working within my Department to see whether we can come up with a framework within the constraints of the funding that is available to us such that we can better support and fund a number of greenways across the country.

There will be opportunities in future, particularly for Border counties, to apply for funding under the new programmes for cross-border co-operation and the EU PEACE programme. These funding programmes will be in place between 2014 and 2020. Alongside these it may be possible for some groups to secure funding via the Leader programme, which will at least allows proposals to be progressed up to design stage.

I am aware that this project is already designed and that Deputy Doyle is seeking funding to move it to construction, or, at least to move the next phase to construction. While I am not in a position to say I have funding available at the moment to do that, I accept the real value of projects like this and I am working at the moment to see whether there is some framework or way in which we would be able to fund these projects over of a number of years to enable more of them to be realised. I have seen the extraordinary benefits these projects deliver in the communities and the local authorities that have executed them not only from a tourism point of view but also in terms of sustainable transport and the way they serve as catalysts for local economic development. For example, I have seen the effect the greenway in Mayo has had on a community like Newport. I am keen to see these effects replicated throughout the country. In the time left open to me in this role and in the Dáil I am keen to find some way to support projects like that.

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I know the Minister is keen to get projects like this under way. We both dabbled in the greenway when we were in Westport at a party event some years ago. I am interested in what the Minister said about the INTERREG funding. He referred to the PEACE initiative and cross-border initiatives, whether they involved Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom. Not too far away from the greenway is the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation. It is stretching it a little but, at the same time, it has been involved in many projects that have brought people together from all over the planet from areas of conflict. Often this happens under the radar. The former director said once that in Glencree people can get things done or take credit for them, but they can seldom do both. It is a place that goes somewhat under the radar. It gets funding from the Ireland Fund and elsewhere. Perhaps some linkage could be established if all that is needed is imagination.

There are really no land-ownership issues affecting the greenway. Everything can be accommodated, including the nature reserves and the bringing of people to the area. It is in west Wicklow, which tends not to do as well as the east coast. It does reasonably well but could do better. I ask the Minister to keep the project on the agenda with a view to having it on the list if funding is available.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The kind of project to which the Deputy is referring is one of which I am very much aware. We have made some progress on similar projects in some parts of the country. I hope that as our economy continues to improve, we will find funding to support projects such as the one referred to by the Deputy. However, I am not in a position today to say the funding is currently available.

With regard to the Deputy's specific question on the use of INTERREG funding and funding through the PEACE IV programme, the eligibility criteria are unlikely to be directly applicable to the Deputy's county. The programmes could be of great help, however, in that an opportunity could arise under them to seek co-funding for projects we want to fund in other parts of the country, which in turn would free up capacity in other parts of the country. That is where I hope a benefit would accrue for the kind of project to which the Deputy referred. Consider the opportunity both of us had on Monday afternoon to see the extraordinary 16.5 km of new motorway that will enable greater contact between the Deputy's county and the rest of the country. It would be great if we were able to use the infrastructure in a way that would allow people to sample and enjoy an even greater variety of tourist experiences in the area. I have no doubt that a project such as the one in question would be one of these. Although I cannot make funding available for it at present, I hope that, over time, we will find a way to make progress on it.