Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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236. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the completion of the Galway to Dublin greenway is a priority project for Government; and if the inclusion of the Galway city to Ballyloughane section in the three-year capital programme of Galway City Council as not a priority reflects this position nationally. [7372/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The progression of the Dublin to Galway Greenway continues to be a matter of priority for Government. Indeed, €8.5m has been allocated to Westmeath County Council by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for this year to progress the construction of the Greenway Bridge in Athlone that will see the Greenway cross the Shannon. That funding will also support the next stages in the pre-planning elements of the route in Roscommon and Galway following the publication of the preferred route corridor in December last year.

Funding has also been allocated to Galway City Council by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to progress the continuation of the Galway to Dublin Greenway from Ballyloughane Road to Galway City Centre - €150,000 has been allocated for pre-planning work this year. That work is at a much earlier stage than the work funded through TII; it reflects the shorter length of route and the significantly fewer number of landowners requiring consultation.

This Greenway will be a world-class facility for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users to enjoy – locals and tourists alike. It will also facilitate the completion of this route which forms part of the international Eurovelo network of long-distance cycling trails in Europe and will link Galway to Moscow. I look forward to continued progress on this project.