Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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310. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the provision of cycle infrastructure, such as cycle lanes, alongside rail lines; if he will ensure that all future rail lines include adjacent cycle lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2106/25]

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. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

I understand that several Greenway schemes have study areas which include active, disused and abandoned railway lines. As per the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways, “it is the clear intention to utilise State-owned lands within the Study Area to the greatest extent possible and in doing so assists in minimising the potential impacts on privately owned land”. I understand that my officials meet with Iarnród Eireann on a regular basis to discuss the viability of using land within a railway corridor for the purposes of developing a Greenway route and that this an ongoing issue – safety considerations are paramount in these discussions with constraints including high embankments, drainage, topography and sight distances. These discussions are also cognisant of the recommendations of the All Island Strategic Rail Review which sets out a strategic vision for the development of the rail system across the island of Ireland over the coming decades. I also understand that project team members for individual Greenway schemes consult with Iarnród Eireann if and, as appropriate as a scheme progresses through the defined phases as set out in TII’s Project Management Guidelines.

As Minister for Transport, I also have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.

Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within ten working days, please contact my private office.