Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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586. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will approve funding for the completion of the greenway along the Royal Canal, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11357/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The greenway project along the Royal Canal to which the Deputy refers from Abbeyshrule to Ballymahon was inspected by officials from my Department, Fáilte Ireland and the National Trails Office in late 2015 at the request of Longford County Council (LCC) and Waterways Ireland.  I understand that the review team felt that the proposal has merit. However, given all Department funding is fully committed up until end 2016 it is not possible at present to consider funding options.

As you will know my Department awards grants to local authorities for the delivery of greenways under structured funding calls. It is likely given the success of greenway projects delivered to date that there will be further funding calls when the current programme finishes at end 2016, however, at this stage I am not in a position to comment on the nature or level of funding that will be allocated. I would like to assure you and LCC of my Department's commitment to the expansion of the greenway/cycling infrastructure in Ireland given the valuable contribution these amenities make to local economies especially those in rural areas. I met with officials in Ballymahon last weekend and was impressed by LCC's detailed plans for development in the area. I further understand that Department officials will be meeting with the Chief Executive of Longford County Council in June to discuss the matter further.