Written answers

Thursday, 12 July 2018

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Greenways Development

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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651. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed Boyneside cycle way trail project for Drogheda and east County Meath; if the upcoming greenway strategy will contribute the necessary funds needed to complete the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31909/18]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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My officials are currently finalising the Strategy which will be published in the coming weeks. The Greenways to be funded under the Strategy will be determined after a competitive call for applications later in 2018 with a view to awarding funding to a number of projects for drawdown between 2019 and 2021. In regards to this, I was pleased to secure additional funding last year for Greenways bringing the total available for the period 2018 to 2021 to €55.9 million.

Once published, 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 on matters including strategic nature, length, design standards, accommodation works and early consultation with communities and land owners along proposed routes.

I expect a strong response to this funding call given the increased interest in Greenways in recent years. I would urge potential applicants for funding to progress their planning and design of Greenways as far as possible in advance of any application for funding and to resolve any land ownership issues through wide consultation with landowners.

With specific regard to the Boyneside Greenway, as the funding call under the Strategy has not yet issued and no applications received, Meath and Louth County Councils would be better placed to inform the Deputy of the current status of their work on the project.

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