Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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69. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding stream that would be suitable for the upgrading of the surface of the Royal Canal towpath from the western end of Mullingar to Kilpatrick bridge outside Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1596/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Depending on the precise details of the proposal, a project such as the one described by the Deputy could be eligible for funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme which is administered by my Department.

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme forms part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and provides funding on a competitive basis for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure, or the maintenance, enhancement and promotion of existing recreational infrastructure in rural Ireland.  The scheme is implemented through the Local Authorities and has facilitated the development of greenways, blueways, walks, and other trails across the country in the last two years.  

In 2016, I approved funding of €7.4 million for 117 projects under the scheme. I approved a further €11.4 million for 219 projects in 2017. I intend to launch a further round of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in 2018 to support important local, regional and national projects and boost local economic activity.

Funding for this type of project may also be available under schemes operated by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport or Fáilte Ireland and the Deputy may wish to make enquiries directly to those bodies about any such schemes which they might administer.