Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

589. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to promote and develop activity tourism such as the use of greenways throughout the country; if he expects further developments in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42426/17]

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

I am keen to see the further development of greenways across the country, fully recognising the tourism potential, along with the economic and health benefits that greenways can bring to local communities. To that end my Department recently undertook a public consultation process to inform the new Greenway Strategy which is currently being developed. I was very impressed by the level of interest and the many submissions received from both citizens and stakeholders. The submissions are currently being reviewed by my officials. Bilateral meetings are also being held between senior officials and key stakeholders to discuss the structure and direction of the new Strategy which my Department is aiming to have completed by the end of the year. Following completion, it is expected that a new round of funding for greenway infrastructure will be announced.

I am confident that this new Strategy will create a solid basis for the ongoing delivery of greenways resulting in a significant contribution to activity tourism in Ireland.