Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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570. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has carried out a feasibility study into developing a heritage greenway along the River Boyne linking the heritage sites of Trim Castle, Bective Abbey, Tara, Donaghmore Round Tower, Slane Castle, Slane Hill, Newgrange, the Battle of the Boyne site and Drogheda. [13266/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Meath County Council undertook a feasibility study in 2009 with funding provided from my Department's Smarter Travel programme to identify a preferred route for a cycleway linking the towns of Trim, Navan and Drogheda.

Consideration of the overall route for the cycleway took account of the needs of a range of users likely to avail of the facility.  A number of route types were explored as part of the feasibility study including the construction of riverside paths, use of the existing towpath, use of local roads alongside the river and adjacent to railways. In identifying the route options, a number of previous planning policy studies and specific Boyne Navigation Studies were examined. Consultation was also held with a number of key stakeholders including various government bodies, departments within Meath County Council, An Taisce and local interest groups.

Based on the assessment of the route options, a preferred route alignment was identified along the banks of the River Boyne and Boyne Navigation Canal for the full extent of the route. In overall terms, the preferred cycleway route also sought to support the regeneration of the Boyne Navigation Canal. Shorter loop sections and some on-road sections were also identified to help maximise use of the routes and assist in the overall delivery of the project.​

Phase 1 of the project between the Drogheda Ramparts and the entrance to the Oldbridge Estate was completed in 2014 with funding from my Department, Meath County Council and from the National Transport Authority.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) are currently funding work to develop the design for Phase II of the cycleway between the Oldbridge Estate and the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre.