Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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488. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on their efforts to support cross-Border greenways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20400/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is currently committed to progressing four cross border Greenway projects specifically the Ulster Canal Greenway, the Sligo to Enniskillen Greenway, the North West Greenway network and the Carlingford Lough Greenway. Funding has been provided by my Department to support the delivery of these projects.

The North West Greenway network was completed and opened to the public in 2024, my Department has committed €500,000 in 2025 to ensure that any residual works and expenses are closed out. I have been advised that the extended Carlingford Lough Greenway will be completed shortly with a formal opening event planned to be held in June 2025, my Department has made a spending commitment in excess of €1,000,000 to this project in 2025.

Progress continues on the Sligo-Enniskillen Greenway, this project is currently at currently at Phase 2 (Options Selection) of a defined eight stage process. A third public consultation is scheduled to be held from 29th April – 27th 2025, this will coincide with the publication of the preferred route corridor.

The Ulster Canal Greenway is being progressed in 12 sections which at various stages of development. In 2025, my Department has provided funding to sections 3,4, 5 and 6 (all located in Ireland). Planning consent was granted by An Bord Pleanála in relation to Section 7: Monaghan to the Border in 2024, enabling works are underway with construction work expected to commence in late 2025. The other sections are in the planning and feasibility stage.

In addition, my Department has commissioned a review being led by Jacobs Consulting to identify opportunities to encourage and support the development of cross-border greenways by commissioning an expert lead review on potential greenway opportunities in the region.

My Departmental officials work closely with their counterparts in the Department for Infrastructure to ensure that cross border greenway projects are being progressed in a collaborative manner. My Department is committed to progressing these cross border projects.