Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. It is positive that the Minister is keen to see the greenway being expedited. However, I emphasise the need. When we are aware that there has been less opposition with regard to the Athlone to Ballinasloe section, I am a little concerned when the Minister stated, "we need to start again". I would like to see progress in terms of that section, particularly when it forms part of the new tourism brand, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, and offers a significant amount of untapped tourism potential at present.

The Minister mentioned the group that will devise a code of practice which is positive in terms of ensuring proper engagement with all relevant stakeholders but I am a little concerned when he states that ""we need to start again" with regard to looking at all of the route options, particularly when we know that there is a high level of positivity towards developing that greenway section between Athlone and Ballinasloe.