Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I want to pay tribute to the fantastic team from Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the three county councils of Westmeath, Galway and Roscommon, based in Ballinasloe, leading the project for the Galway to Athlone cycleway. I hosted two public meetings last week, focusing on the blue and green routes, going through east Galway. We are advocating for the most fantastic experience for users, coming across publicly owned lands, along by the Grand Canal and Bord na Móna land, into Ballinasloe. More than 100 people attended each of these meetings. There were representatives from the project team and the Irish Farmers Association, who spoke to people. There were many questions and answers, and much excitement among people about what this project could bring to the local areas.

I would like to highlight that the deadline for submissions is Monday, 1 March 2021, and I encourage people to make submissions. People can email: info@galwaytoathlonecycleway.comor can call to make their submissions. Given the current lockdown, it is difficult to engage with the community. The team has been most accommodating of people. People can call 091509267 to make a submission.

I ask the Minister to acknowledge and speak on the priority of this project as a national piece of infrastructure. It is going to complete 270 km of the Dublin to Galway cycleway route. It is urgent that it is delivered as soon as possible. We really look forward to the fact that the route selected will be the most scenic, sustainable and strategic option There will be wonderful things to see and do coming through Ballinasloe, and potentially there will be opportunities to go through Coillte owned areas. The key point is that landowners and farmers do not have to adhere to the submission deadline of 1 March. They can engage with the project team at any time. I encourage farmers and landowners to talk. They will find out and understand that the FAQs that have been developed and upgraded focus on how the project will avoid severance for lands, look at natural boundaries and will try to ensure that farmers' needs and concerns are heard.