Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this matter. I welcome the Minister of State. This is down for answer by the Minister of Transport but, of course, it could equally have been put down for answer by the Minster of State because it relates to issues of heritage, even though greenways fall under the remit of the Department of Transport.

We can agree on the benefits of greenways for their tourism potential, local recreation and the possibilities of commuting to work in circumstances where they are located close to a large town or city. They take cars off the road and reduce the number of car journeys. They are generally good for people's health. They are also generally positively viewed and sought after. I am a big supporter of greenway roll-out and their potential for communities. However, they can be viewed with concern by some people close to the routes or indeed by planned routes. I attended a public consultation and information session organised by Galway County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, in the Oranmore Lodge recently in respect of the roll-out of the Ballinasloe to Galway greenway. I have been contacted by a former member of this house, Ms Fidelma Healy Eames, regarding the proposed route at the Middle Third, Maree, Oranmore. The concern locally is that the proposed greenway may interfere with Kilcaimin Bay and cause significant damage to an area that is protected under European habitat directives as a special area of conservation, SAC, special protection area, SPA, and a maritime protection area, MPA. There is concern that the greenway will have an impact on the SAC. This is home to and a feeding ground for an extensive range of birds. There is also concern that it is not suitable due to rising sea levels and erosion, which could cause seaweed to be strewn all over the greenway, resulting in it being dangerous to cycle on and being closed for a considerable part of the year. That is the case with the road at present which is often strewn with seaweed.

There is also concern from people currently living on the shore that they will not have access to the shore in the future. What importance and priority would the Minister of State place on protecting the environment or SAC, SPA, or MPA above and beyond the benefits of the greenway and the construction of the greenway? That is concern locally. In general, people are supportive of greenways, but there are pinch points. There are areas of concern whether it be for farmers, homeowners in any place that would be considered for the construction of a greenway. I believe they are hugely beneficial. I welcome the roll-out of greenways in general across the country. This has not happened without opposition, and we have to respect and take on board people's views as best we can. We are never going to get unanimity or total buy-in regarding cycleways, but where they can be improved through liaison and consultation we can get a better result, that needs to be looked at. A particular issue relating to Kilcaimin Bay has been highlighted. I look forward to the Minister of State's reply.