Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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86. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the forthcoming greenway strategy will inform on the best way to undertake expanding the Great Southern Greenway; if he will discuss the matter further with officials of Limerick City and County Council further to his previous meetings with the officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25337/18]

Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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91. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the tourism potential in expanding the Great Southern Greenway; if he will visit the greenway to view possible expansion options and discuss the matter with officials of Limerick City and County Council and cycle part of the trail; his further views on whether this would be a helpful exercise in the context of finalising the greenway strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25338/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 91 together.

The Greenways Strategy will provide a framework for the development of Ireland's greenways and will determine the type of project to be funded by my Department over the coming decade. This is a long term Strategy with the aim of increasing the number, length and regional spread of greenways across the country.  It will set out guidance to project promoters including strategic nature, length, design standards, accommodation works and early consultation with communities and land owners along proposed routes.

I plan to publish the Strategy in the coming month following which I plan to announce a funding call later in 2018 with a view to awarding funding to a number of projects for drawdown between 2019 to 2021.  I was pleased to secure additional funding for greenways last year bringing the total available for the period 2018 to 2021 to €55.9m.

There is no doubt that the extension of  the Great Southern Greenway towards Limerick City and to Listowel/Tralee would increase the tourism potential of this route both in Limerick and Kerry.  However, it will be a matter for Limerick City and County Council in the first instance to submit a proposal for any extension of the greenway under the next funding call, bearing in mind the criteria set out in the Strategy. 

I understand that my Ministerial colleague Brendan Griffin met with Limerick City and County Council last year and was impressed by the significant work undertaken since the Council took over the Greenway from the voluntary organisation that had initiated its development. It is important that the Council continue with this work in order to be well placed in the upcoming competitive funding call.