Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Individual sections of this potential cycle way are being progressed by the relevant Local Authorities. My Department previously provided funding for the construction of the Omeath to Carlingford Marina Greenway and this section is part of the  cross-border EU co-funded Interreg project that links Carlingford to Newry that is currently under construction. We will continue to work with  the Departments of Infrastructure and the Economy  in Northern Ireland to progress the cross border sections and sections connecting the route to Belfast and Larne. My Department will also work with relevant Local Authorities to facilitate this cycle way down the east coast to Rosslare Europort.

When funding for the construction of Greenways was available in 2019 unfortunately none of the sections of the East Coast Cycle Way (or Greenway) were in a position to be awarded funding at that time as they did not have planning permission in place. However, a number of sections of the route were submitted for funding under the more recent Carbon Tax Fund that will support planning and design work this year and next. The decision on which projects to fund under that call will be a matter for the incoming Minister.

I would encourage all Local Authorities to continue to work on progressing planning and design and consultation with landowners along the route of this proposal so that when construction funding is next available that they will be well placed to be awarded funding.