Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop a cycle path in the Boyne Valley between Trim and Drogheda; the way he plans to promote such initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26507/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Meath County Council carried out a feasibility study for a cycle route along the Boyne Valley linking Trim to Drogheda, which was completed in early 2010. The study estimated the cost of such a scheme to be at least €13 million, excluding potential land acquisition costs. Given current financial constraints it would not be possible to provide such a level of funding.

In terms of promotion of such initiatives, the National Roads Authority completed a scoping study for a national cycle network in 2010, and following this my Department tasked the National Road Authority to conduct a feasibility study of a cycle way from Dublin to Galway, and on to Clifden. In addition to this, Local Authorities have been progressing projects, most notably in Mayo with the Great Western Greenway. More recently, as part of the jobs initiative, my Department has allocated funding to the relevant Local Authorities for the development of a short off road route in Dungarvan and for an extension to the existing Royal Canal cycle route in Mullingar. I am keen, bearing in mind the current financial constraints and the outcome of the forthcoming comprehensive expenditure review, to continue to support such projects as part of promoting cycling in Ireland.