Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

223. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the necessary funding to Kerry County Council and South Kerry Development Partnership to develop the greenway on the old railway line between Glenbeigh and Caherciveen, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4577/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In August 2013, my Department announced a second round of funding for cycle infrastructure under the National Cycle Network Programme and the closing date for applications was 15 November.  It is intended that approximately €6.5million will be allocated to local authorities for the development of such infrastructure over the period 2014 to 2016.

Kerry County Council submitted two applications for greenway projects under the Programme.  One of those applications relate to a proposal for a greenway from Glenbeigh to Reenard Point, Cahirciveen.

In total, my Department has received thirty-eight applications from twenty-eight local authorities.  All proposals are currently being assessed by an expert panel comprising of officials from my Department, the National Transport Authority, the National Trails Office and Fáilte Ireland.  It is expected that successful projects will be announced in the coming weeks.

Given the level of funding available, I expect that only 2 or 3 projects, or phases of projects, will be funded. Kerry County Council's applications will be assessed as part of the overall competitive process and will be measured against the criteria outlined in the funding call in August. Priority will be given to those projects with most potential to become world class, trip attracting cycle ways.