Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Officials from my Department met with officials from Longford County Council (LCC) last year to inspect the route of the proposed 15.2km cycleway/walkway along the Royal Canal from Abbeyshrule to Ballymahon.  I understand, from visiting the area myself last year, that the route connects with the Mullingar to Coolnahay Harbour Greenway in County Westmeath and, thanks to the investment by Longford County Council, into Abbeyshrule itself.  It will also connect to the recently opened Mullingar to Athlone greenway, the Old Rail Trail, which is attracting significant numbers. It is proposed that the route would will also, eventually, provide a link to the Centre Parc facility outside Ballymahon should planning be granted. As the Deputy will appreciate all current Department funding for the purpose of cycling infrastructure is committed up until  2016.  However, should funding become available outside of the structured competitive funding programmes this project will be among those considered.