James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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213. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the allocation of the Mallow to Fermoy greenway project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29161/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Funding was allocated to Waterford and Cork County Councils in 2020 from the Carbon Tax Fund for pre-construction work on routes that would link Mallow to Dungarvan as outlined as follows. The section from Mallow to Fermoy is included in the scope of this feasibility work.

Cork County Council in conjunction with Waterford City and County Council have sought tenders for the undertaking of a Feasibility Report for the development of the Greenway from Mallow to Dungarvan. A Letter of Intent has been issued to the successful tenderer and once the required information requested is submitted and the standstill period expires, it is envisaged that a Letter of Acceptance will be issued in early June.

The cost of the tender was significantly more than the amount originally allocated; however my Department has agreed to funding the entire cost of the project at just over €361,000.

I look forward to the outcome of this work and hope that it will contribute to the creation of a network of Greenways in the area, providing increased opportunities for people to travel by bicycle and foot to work, school, shops and for tourism purposes also.