Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to discuss the code of best practice and guide for greenway projects. I invite the new Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to come to the Seanad to debate this very important issue. Following the publication of the strategy for the future development of national and regional greenways, a group was established in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to develop a code of best practice.

Progress on greenways has been frustratingly slow in many places. The Connemara greenway, in particular from Galway city to Moycullen and Oughterard, and the greenway from Galway city to Salthill and Barna offer significant potential but have been hampered by delays, including in the case of the Connemara greenway the lodging of planning and accessing routes to enable a planning application to be lodged.

Greenways and cycleways will benefit local people and communities, as well as visitors, by providing safer cycling routes, as well as recreation, for communities. We have seen that in Mayo and Waterford. However, it is very clear that the current approach to developing greenways is not working. Salthill in Galway is one such example. While I appreciate the concerns of some local businesses, I was disappointed by the decision not to proceed with a temporary cycleway in Salthill.

I also have concerns about the use of emergency measures due to Covid-19. This is not best practice. Emergency measures can be challenged, and often successfully so. We need to recognise that greenways, like the Connemara greenway, the Dublin to Galway greenway and the Galway to Barna greenway, constitute critical infrastructure that will benefit everyone.

We need proper consultation to find the best routes and compensate householders, landowners and property owners. Ultimately, we need a code of best practice and leadership to progress greenways. I hope the Minister will be able to come to the House to debate this very important matter.