Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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18. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the proposed works for the Mell Greenway, Drogheda, following the further engagement from her Department offering extensions and assistance to Louth County Council to ensure that the monies would not be lost further to the approvement of €200,000 for the project through the outdoor recreational scheme in February 2020; if a final decision has been made on the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62717/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the maintenance and promotion of existing infrastructure.

In February 2020, Louth County Council was approved funding of €200,000 under ORIS to develop and enhance the Boyne Greenway. To date no funding has been drawn down on this project.

In September 2021, the Department approved a proposal by the Council to change the scope of the project, on the condition that a Project Implementation Plan would be submitted. A draft plan was submitted in January 2022 which indicated an expected completion project date of December 2022.

My officials have been in ongoing contact with Louth County Council, who have advised that further delays have been experienced with the project as it is subject to planning approval by An Bord Pleanála. The Council have also advised that the revised project will not be deliverable as approved as estimated costs have increased.

Given the issues that have arisen with the delivery of this project, an extension to the 31st of January has been approved to allow the local authority to progress the project.

My officials will continue to engage with Louth County Council regarding the project. If sufficient progress has not been made by the approved extension date, a decision will be made to decommit this funding. In the case of decommitment, it would be open to Louth County Council to submit a new application under future rounds of funding once the necessary consents are in place.