Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 to 195, inclusive, together.

While there was no dedicated funding stream in place in 2011 for the development of greenways €10 million was allocated by my Department under the Special Jobs Initiative Programme to County Councils for the improvement of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and other sustainable transport measures in towns and rural areas outside the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).  A small number of projects delivered under this programme could be classed as greenways and are included in the attached table.

Under the National Cycle Network (NCN) Funding Programme approximately €23.5 million was allocated over the period 2012 to 2016 to advance cycle routes that provided valuable transport and recreational infrastructure, with the added potential to enhance tourist activity for the areas concerned. This includes €10 million allocated under the Government Stimulus package 2014. 

The first tranche for the years 2012/2013 funded fifteen cycling projects across the country with €7 million in funding provided.  Under the second tranche for the years 2014-2016, a further three projects shared in funding of €6.3 million. Of these three projects only one (in Waterford) has been completed. In May 2014, a €10 million investment package for greenway development was announced by Government as part of the €200 million national stimulus package. Eleven cycling projects were selected to share in this funding and eight of these projects have now been completed. 

In July 2016, €3.5 million was reallocated from the second tranche of NCN funding to projects in Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford as two of the original projects selected (Kerry and Galway) were not in a position to draw down their full allocation for 2016.

It is a condition of any funding award that local authorities are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the infrastructure once the project has been completed.

Separately, under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme, my Department provides funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for the seven local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) for the implementation of sustainable transport measures which includes cycling and walking infrastructure.  The NTA also manages a similar sustainable transport grants programme - the Regional Cities Programme - in the four regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. I have forwarded your request to the NTA for consideration and response to you within 10 working days in relation to greenway projects funded.  If you have not received a response within 10 working days please contact my office.