Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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220. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make available a dedicated annual stream of funding for community groups to develop, construct and promote new outdoor trails such as greenways, blueways, and other outdoor pursuits for the enjoyment of the local population, and also to attract visitors to the various regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3181/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department has no plans to put in place a dedicated funding stream to provide funding to community groups to develop and deliver proposals such as those outlined by the Deputy as funding is fully allocated at present until 2016.  As it stands I feel that the LEADER programme serves this purpose although no doubt there are many demands being made on limited resources.

I fully recognise the contribution such projects make to the local economy attracting visitors from home and abroad.  Last year my Department awarded €6.3m. under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2014 to three local authorities for the delivery of greenways following a competitive process.  A further 11 cycle/greenway proposals submitted by local authorities were selected to share in €200m Government Stimulus Package for infrastructural development, €10m of which was earmarked for the delivery of greenways. 

I would recommend that Local Authorities and Community Groups continue working within their own resources, where possible, to progress plans for suitable projects so that when funding does become available that they are in a position to apply for that funding.