Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

212. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Fáilte Ireland's capital plan will include greenway funding avenues for local authorities, either for feasibility studies, or construction funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7516/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport provides funding for investment in tourism, the allocation of these funds is a matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland.

An allocation of €17.35 million has been made to Fáilte Ireland in 2015 to administer the Tourism Capital Investment Programme, which provides support for investment in visitor attractions, visitor activities and tourism infrastructure. The funds available under that the programme are fully committed to the end of 2016.  Accordingly, Fáilte Ireland is unable to accept new applications for funding.

The point at which Fáilte Ireland will be in a position to consider new proposals for capital funding is dependent on the annual estimates and budgetary process but I am hopeful that we will be in a position to progress a range of developments as funding becomes available in coming years.

Similarly, all transport funding available to my Department for the delivery of greenways is  fully committed to end 2016. 

However, given the success of greenways already delivered, I feel optimistic that funding may become available from other sources over the coming years.  The EU Structural Funds Programme 2014-2020 is currently being finalised and there may be significant opportunities for cycle infrastructure development under Interreg and the Rural Development Programme. I would also encourage Local Authorities and Community Groups seeking to promote Greenways to see if funding from LEADER companies may be available.

I am also encouraging Local Authorities to attempt, where possible from within their own resources, to bring their plans for Greenways through Part 8 planning so that, when funding does come available again, they will be best positioned to apply for funding.