Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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62. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the inclusion in Estimates of funds for the introduction of a dedicated funding stream similar to the sports capital fund for the sole purpose of constructing walkways and greenways across the country. [3269/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Programme for Partnership Government commits to providing additional capital funding in the order of €100m for various tourism projects, including greenways. I will be seeking to deliver this additional funding in the context of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan this year.

Greenways or cycleways, of course, are relevant to many different policy areas and can contribute to the delivery of many different policy objectives across Government particularly within my Department's sphere of responsibility. Cycling infrastructure generally can help to promote modal shift to more sustainable forms of transport, and greenways in particular can also promote rural tourism, sport and recreation. My Department is planning to develop a new Strategy for the future development and funding of greenways. The proposed Strategy will include the approach to be taken by authorities and agencies tasked with delivering greenway infrastructure. My Department will undertake a public consultation process in the near future to inform the development of the new Strategy and all interested parties will have the opportunity to submit their views as part of this public consultation process.

My Department works closely with other relevant Departments and agencies in the delivery of greenways/cycleways. The public consultation on the development of a future Strategy on Greenways will provide an opportunity to consider issues such as that proposed by the Deputy.