Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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794. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the greenway project between Castleknock, Dublin 15, and Maynooth, County Kildare, on a phased basis; the progress made to date on each phase; the estimated completion date for each phase; the amount of funding that was made available for each phase of the project in 2018; if further funding will issue in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30135/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

I  am pleased however to inform the Deputy that over €110m in capital funding is directly allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford over the period 2018-2021. This programme will provide active travel routes to help alleviate congestion by providing viable alternatives and connectivity with existing public transport infrastructure. In addition to this, €55m will be spent in this same four year period on Greenways outside of the 5 cities.

However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the building and maintenance of cycling infrastructure. This falls to the NTA who is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the greenway between Castleknock and Maynooth.  My Department allocates funding to the NTA who provide this funding onwards to the Local Authorities to implement cycling/walking infrastructure.

Noting that the allocation of funding and details of individual projects are managed by the NTA in conjunction with the relevant local authorities, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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795. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans for a Grand Canal greenway between Hazelhatch, County Kildare, and Grange Castle, Dublin 22, in view of the fact there is reference to the project as an objective in a number of local area plans (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30140/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the building and maintenance of cycling infrastructure. In relation to cycling infrastructure, my Department allocates funding to the NTA who provide onward funding to local authorities to progress the design and implementation of cycling schemes. 

As outlined in my response to the Deputy under Dáil Question No. 254 in February, 2018, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The Grand Canal Greenway, including the section between Hazelhatch and Grange Castle, forms part of the Greenway Network of the GDA Cycle Network Plan.  Accordingly, I understand that the NTA continue to work closely with the relevant authorities, including Kildare County Council and Waterways Ireland, to deliver improved cycling infrastructure including greenway schemes.

Noting the NTA's previous response to the Deputy on the 19th February and their responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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796. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a third part approval agreement has been secured with Irish Rail in respect of the Royal Canal greenway; if the Commission for Railway Regulation has completed a review of certain aspects of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30145/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with a number of other state bodies, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive aresponse within ten working days.