Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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682. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the network of greenways across the country; and if there will be an opportunity for the application by Counties Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan for funding to be considered again in any future programme. [26984/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Given the great success of the greenways delivered to date, it is my intention to continue to source funding for the ongoing development of such infrastructure. Under the recent funding call for the National Cycle Network (NCN) Programme, the applications submitted by Sligo and Leitrim (with the support of Cavan) County Councils for the development of a greenway along the disused Sligo Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) were of a very high standard and it was unfortunate that funding could not be awarded to either authority on this occasion.

While these proposals were not successful, I look forward to the participation of both authorities in future funding initiatives.  It is likely, given the popularity of greenways already delivered, that funding may become available from other sources over the coming years.

In particular, it is also worth noting that the EU Structural Funds Programme 2014 to 2020 is currently being finalised and there may be significant opportunities for cycle infrastructure development under Interreg and the Rural Development Programmes. I understand that many local authorities are already positioning themselves to avail of such opportunities and my officials are working closely with border region authorities to help facilitate this process.