Written answers

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Greenways Provision

Photo of Jackie CahillJackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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331. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to add a bridle path element to greenways when they are being planned, designed and developed throughout Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15181/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I have no plans at present to add a bridle path element to Greenways. However, I understand that Sport Ireland, which falls under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media has requested tenders from suitable consultants for the development of criteria for Horse Riding Trails in Ireland. I am advised by my colleague that a contract for this work will shortly be awarded and will include an examination of the potential for horse riding trails to be incorporated into trails with other users, including greenways.

If any issues arise of relevance arise in relation to the Greenways which my Department is funding, I will of course consider them if requested by my Ministerial colleague.

When that work has completed it will be considered by my Department. It must be kept in mind that Greenways are particularly attractive to family groups including small children and mixing horses and small children has safety implications for all, over and above the existing safety issues in mixing cyclists and pedestrians, while there are also maintenance issues and animal waste issues to be considered.

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