Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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1165. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on progress on the development of a greenway along the route of the old west Clare Railway between Ennis and Ennistymon in County Clare; if agreement has been reached with landowners on the four individual planned sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21467/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The West Clare Greenway project has four Phases: Phase 1 Ennis to Ballymaquiggin townland  (4.5km approx); Phase 2 Ballymaquiggin townland to Corofin (15km approx); Phase 3 Corofin to Ennistymon (18km approx); and Phase 4 Ennistymon to Lahinch  (4km approx)

The Part 8 process for Phase 1 has been completed and approval granted, detailed design undertaken and a tender advertised for Phase 1 Contract 1 - approx. 3km of the 4.5km overall route. This first 3km runs from Ennis town centre to and through Lees Road Sports Grounds. It is anticipated that construction will commence in late June 2015. Discussions are ongoing in relation to access and repairs to the old Railway line, its boundaries, accommodation works etc. No agreements are in place as yet. It is anticipated that a Phase 1 Contract 2 to complete the remaining 1.5km could commence in the Autumn subject to agreement being reached regarding land issues.

No design work has taken place on Phases 2 and 3. Research into land ownership has been undertaken to determine private ownership and CIE ownership. To date no contact has been made with landowners and no funding is in place for these sections.

Phase 4 is already in place and was delivered with funding provided by my Department under the 2012-2013 National Cycle Network funding programme. This section is operational as a widened footpath linking Ennistymon to Lahinch - with information boards and cycle stands in place in both towns.