Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the establishment of a national trust to facilitate the development of a system of cycle paths here as set out in a proposal (details supplied); the likelihood of such a project occurring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20245/11]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Cycle path development is occurring through a number of different mechanisms. The development of the Great Western Greenway has been driven jointly by Mayo County Council and the local community. Local landowners gave permissive access to their lands, which made the route possible, and a local management committee has been established to foster community engagement around the on-going development, maintenance and promotion of the route. The fact that this Greenway has recently been awarded a European Destination of Excellence Award illustrates how successful such development mechanisms can be.

I am also aware that development of a Great Southern Trail has been driven by local volunteers, and that cycle routes in Mullingar have been delivered through co-operation between Westmeath County Council and Waterways Ireland. Such differing approaches to development will ensure that progress can be made through whichever mechanism best fits the circumstances of the proposed route, and will allow particular local issues that may arise to be addressed.