Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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784. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the remaining stretch of pathway along the Royal Canal from the Westmeath-Longford border to the River Shannon; if the new cycle way, walkway will be extended to ensure completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32804/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Longford County Council (LCC) submitted a proposal under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014/2016 for the delivery of a greenway along the Royal Canal from the County Boundary to Drinan, Ballymahon.  While the proposal was of a high standard given that the number of applications received far exceeded the resources available it was not possible for my Department to provide funding for this project on that occasion.

While this proposal was not successful, I look forward to the participation of LCC in future funding initiatives.  It is likely, given the popularity and success of the greenways already delivered, that funding may become available from other sources over the coming years.

It is 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 and promotion under the various sub programmes. I understand that many local authorities are already positioning themselves to avail of such opportunities.

As you will be aware two proposals submitted by Westmeath County Council, which link with or run along the route of the Royal Canal, namely the Athlone to Mullingar Greenway and the Coolnahay to the Westmeath/Longford County Boundary Greenway, received €4 million and €700,000 respectively from the Government Stimulus Package for infrastructural measures, €10 million of which has been earmarked for the delivery of greenways.