Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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609. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress as provided under the programme for Government on €100 million capital investment in the Wild Atlantic Way and greenways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53714/17]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government provides that the Government will set aside €100 million in additional capital funding for investment in the Wild Atlantic Way, Greenways and a number of other initiatives.  This commitment covers a number of funding programmes and

Departments.

Following from the mid-term review of the Capital Plan, an amount of almost €108 million is being provided for tourism product development in the period from 2018 to 2021. This allocation will provide for continued capital investment by Fáilte Ireland in their experience brands, including the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East. It will also enable Fáilte Ireland to commence work on the development of a brand for the Midlands region as a separate proposition to sit alongside the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East.

In relation to the Wild Atlantic Way, my Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy.  It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects, which are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority. 

In relation to Greenways, almost €56 million will be provided for investment in greenways in the period from 2018 to 2021.  My Department is currently developing a strategy for the future development of greenways. The strategy will provide a long term vision and framework upon which Ireland's greenways can be planned in a strategic manner ensuring the best possible return for State investment.