Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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249. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he and or the National Transport Authority and or Irish Rail have conducted a feasibility study regarding the use of a disused rail line in counties Kildare and Offaly in the context of creating a greenway (details supplied). [7783/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy andexchequer funding in relation to Greenways.

Funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland(TII).

In line with Section 32(2) of the Road Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. It is important that any proposed Greenway has the support of the relevant Local Authority as funding is only provided by TII to Local Authorities.

Funding is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code and necessary statutory approvals.

In the context of the above, TII is best placed to advise on matters relating to your query. As far as I am aware, no feasibility study has been carried out by my Department, the NTA, Iarnród Éireann, or Kildare, Meath or Offaly County Councils.

I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply.

Please advise myprivate office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.