Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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182. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the works to be carried out with the €400,000 allocation for 2023 for the Bellaghy to Collooney Greenway for 2023; if the route for this greenway has been selected, and whether it will compromise the possibility in both the short and long-term of re-opening the Collooney to Claremorris railway line ahead of the report of the Strategic Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9370/23]

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

Regarding the rail review, as the Deputy is aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. The Review is at an advanced stage. Publication of the final report will follow after it has been considered and approved at Ministerial level on both sides of the border. Any affected potential greenways will be given due consideration. It should be noted, that in some instances it may be feasible to run a greenway alongside a rail line. Whilst this may be more costly it may allow for, if an economic case is made, for the provision of both services.

The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you further on the details of the status the Bellaghy to Collooney Greenway project. Noting this above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply.

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