Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Byrne for making such a strong case for the inclusion of the Shannon greenway in the greenway strategy. I am pleased to tell the Senator that in the coming month, I will launch the greenway strategy which will provide a framework for the development of Ireland’s greenways and will determine the type of project to be funded by my Department over the coming decade. This is a long-term strategy with the aim of increasing the number, length and regional spread of greenways across the country. It will set out guidance to project promoters on matters, including strategic nature, length, design standards, accommodation works and early consultation with communities and landowners along proposed routes. Following the publication of the strategy there will be a call for applications later in 2018 with a view to awarding funding to a number of projects for drawdown between 2019 and 2021. In this regard, I was pleased to secure additional funding for greenways last year, bringing the total available for the period 2018 to 2021 to €55.9 million.

Given the increased interest in greenways in recent years, I expect that there will be a strong response to this funding call. I would urge potential applicants for funding to progress their planning and design of greenways as far as possible in advance of any application for funding and to resolve any land ownership issues. I expect to have difficult decisions to make later this year regarding which of the many excellent greenways proposals - the Shannon proposal among them - to fund. No specific routes are being included in the strategy and the routes to be funded will be determined by the proposals that are submitted as part of the call for applications. Projects that are likely to be successful in achieving funding are those that are scenic, provide access to things to see and do, that meet the Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, standard on greenway construction, are strategic in nature, have planning permission in place, or in place within a very short period, and that have clarity on any land access issues. They should also have facilities such as accommodation and for food and drink every 15 km to 20 km along the route. The strategy will also prioritise greenways that are of scale, at least 20 km, and have the potential to be part of a wider walking and cycling infrastructure.

With regard to the Senator’s specific query on the Shannon greenway, I am aware that there is a proposal and my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Griffin, has met with some of the promoters. I look forward to seeing the proposal as part of the funding call that will follow the strategy. On the surface, it appears it could fit well with the new brand experience of Ireland's Hidden Heartland's as well as existing greenway infrastructure in Westmeath and Roscommon but could also, depending on its route, fit in with part of the Wild Atlantic Way. If the proposal requires further development and will not meet the funding call this year, it is important to remember that the greenways strategy is a long-term one and will likely have a number of funding calls associated with it.

Depending on the route proposed, I would add that it would be vital that the relevant local authorities, Waterways Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the OPW would be involved in developing any proposal included it in the relevant county development plans and then carry out a feasibility study and subsequently, if the proposal justifies it, engage in further planning and design. This development work should commence as soon as possible.

I wish the proponents well in their endeavours in what is undoubtedly a very good proposal.