Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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32. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the code of practice for greenways; the potential limitations of their development including the impact on biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32402/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways emphasises that use of private lands for Greenway routes should only be considered after extensive consultation.

Based on the guidelines set out in this Strategy and as part of its work on the Galway to Dublin Greenway, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) with Westmeath County Council is devising a Code of Best Practice for Greenways. This Code is being developed by a working group of stakeholders including representatives of the farming representative bodies. It is dealing with issues such as agreeing the consultation process, the factors to be considered when choosing a route, appropriate types of accommodation works, appropriate levels of payment for land, suitable types of access both for landowners and the public, ways of minimising severance, the range of possible mitigation and accommodation works and mechanisms to minimise disruption and to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of Greenway projects. This Code is being finalised and should be available shortly.

I would point out that all Project Managers of National and Regional Greenways, such as Local Authorities or Waterways Ireland, must comply with all EU and National Biodiversity legislation at all stages of Greenway delivery. Page 18 of the Strategy on the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways points out the need to protect biodiversity and that Greenways should be designed to consider, and avoid where necessary, the sensitivities of natural heritage.

The Strategy further points out that where proposed Greenways are along existing natural ecological corridors such as rivers and canals, or across natural habitats such as coastal habitats, there is potential for people to access nature and to see and learn about our natural heritage.

The Strategy also outlines the potential to enhance the biodiversity value of an ecological corridor or other areas when planning for Greenways.

Proposed Greenways should also examine their potential to provide enhancement measures for the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 and the “leave no trace” philosophy forms part of the promotion of all Greenways.