Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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193. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will consider the viability of the use of spare space along existing in-use railway corridors as potential cycle routes; if so, if sections of line throughout the network have been identified as suitable in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9635/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government's Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways was published in 2018, though the use of existing in-use Railway Corridors was not considered at that time. The Department, through TII, are funding over 40 Greenway projects around the country, some on disused or closed railway lines. TII are also developing a National Cycle Network Strategy that will identify routes to be developed over the coming years.

The issue with utilising in-use railway corridors is whether it is safe to do so and the views of the Commission for Railway Regulation would need to be sought in the first instance. There is also the issue of width, is there enough space within Iarnród Éireann's ownership, or would additional land purchase be required. There would need to be adequate fencing installed to separate people walking and cycling from the railway line, and bridges and tunnels pose challenges especially along in-use railway corridors. However, the balance of considerations can favour running a greenway beside a railway in the right circumstances and planning approval and Government funding has been granted for the Broadmeadow Greenway along the railway causeway across Broadmeadow Estuary which is expected to go to construction next year.

We will bring the issue to the attention of TII as they work on their National Cycle Network Strategy.