Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1781. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the southern trail into north County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25238/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

All capital funding for the purpose of greenway/cycleway infrastructure is committed to end 2016.  On the basis of the commitment in the programme for Government that additional funding will be provided for the development of greenways, my Department is currently working on a new strategy for future investment in Greenways that will set out to identify principles and standards for future projects, an approach to route selection and a programme for development of greenway infrastructure.​

I understand that Kerry County Council has actively engaged with my Department in the implementation of the smarter travel agenda and have been awarded funding for the development of cycling in Kerry under both the Active Travel Towns and National Cycle Networks funding calls. Both of these programmes aim to provide the necessary infrastructure and supporting behavioural change measures required to enable communities to safety lead more active lifestyles.  

It is of course a matter for Kerry County Council itself to progress plans for the Kerry section of the Great Southern Trail (GST) and for Limerick County Council to do the same for the Limerick side of the GST.  This would enable them to be well positioned to apply for funding under any future funding calls.