Written answers

Thursday, 25 September 2025

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Greenways Provision

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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209. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to expedite the opening of the first completed section of the South Kerry Greenway; to ensure that it is opened in Q4 2025 as previously stated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51004/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. There has been a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Kerry with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025.

In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway and National Roads Active Travel projects is also subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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210. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for a progress report regarding the Tralee to Listowel Greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51033/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. There has a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Kerry with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025, of which €400,000 has been allocated to the Tralee to Listowel Greenway.

In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Investment in Greenway and National Roads Active Travel projects is also subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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211. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to expedite the Tralee to Listowel Greenway; to provide landowners and farmers with all necessary accommodation works and compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51034/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. There has a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Kerry with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025, of which €400,000 has been allocated to the Tralee to Listowel Greenway.

In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

The Code of Practice for National and Regional Greenways includes information on the acquisition of private lands for developing Greenways. The Code acknowledges the important role of farmers and landowners in the process. It outlines the procedures to ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably. TII are tasked with maintaining the Code.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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212. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to consider connecting Ardfert to the Tralee to Listowel Greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51035/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

In relation to funding, a significant amount of investment for Greenway and National Roads Active Travel schemes has been provided to Kerry County Council in 2025 with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025 alone; €400,000 of which was allocated to the Tralee to Listowel Greenway project.

In relation to new greenway proposals, it would be for the relevant local authority to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications.

Noting their responsibilities in this matter, 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.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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213. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to consider connecting Tarbert with the Tralee to Listowel Greenway in view of the fact that when completed this will be a significant boost to businesses and jobs throughout North Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51036/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

In relation to funding, a significant amount of investment for Greenway and National Roads Active Travel schemes has been provided to Kerry County Council in 2025 with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025 alone; €400,000 of which was allocated to the Tralee to Listowel Greenway project.

In relation to new greenway proposals, it would be for the relevant local authority to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications.

Noting their responsibilities in this matter, 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.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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214. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to consider connecting Greenways to all schools adjacent to Greenways throughout the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51037/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

In relation to the proposal to provide for walking and cycling infrastructure connections between schools located adjacent to Greenways in County Kerry, this would be a matter for Kerry County Council in relation to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII or the National Transport Authority for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications received by these agencies.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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215. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to consider extending the South Kerry greenway to Killorglin town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51038/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

In relation to new greenway proposals, it would be for the relevant local authority to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications.

Noting their responsibilities in this matter, 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.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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216. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to consider extending the South Kerry greenway to Tralee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51039/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

In relation to new greenway proposals, it would be for the relevant local authority to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications.

Noting their responsibilities in this matter, 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.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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217. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to consider extending the South Kerry greenway to Dingle and West Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51040/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

In relation to new greenway proposals, it would be for the relevant local authority to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications.

Noting their responsibilities in this matter, 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.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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218. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to consider extending the South Kerry greenway to Farranfore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51042/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

In relation to new greenway proposals, it would be for the relevant local authority to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications.

Noting their responsibilities in this matter, 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.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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219. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to consider extending the South Kerry greenway to Killarney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51043/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

In relation to new greenway proposals, it would be for the relevant local authority to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications.

Noting their responsibilities in this matter, 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.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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220. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to consider extending the South Kerry greenway to Kenmare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51044/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

In relation to new greenway proposals, it would be for the relevant local authority to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications.

Noting their responsibilities in this matter, 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.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

221. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to consider extending the South Kerry greenway around the entire Ring of Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51045/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

In relation to new greenway proposals, it would be for the relevant local authority to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications.

Noting their responsibilities in this matter, 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.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

222. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to give favourable consideration to extending the South Kerry Greenway onto Castleisland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51046/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

In relation to new greenway proposals, it would be for the relevant local authority to conduct an initial assessment on the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for funding consideration. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications.

Noting their responsibilities in this matter, 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.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

223. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to expedite all greenways across County Kerry; to provide landowners and farmers with all necessary accommodation works and fair compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51047/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. To date, there has been a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Kerry, with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025 alone.

In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

224. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to give favourable consideration to introducing a sustainability payment for all landowners/farmers affected by greenways passing through their lands in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51048/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. To date, there has been a significant amount of investment for Greenway schemes in County Kerry, with €8,250,000 allocated in 2025 alone.

In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

The Code of Practice for National and Regional Greenways includes information on the acquisition of private lands for developing Greenways. The Code acknowledges the important role of farmers and landowners in the process. It outlines the procedures to ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably. TII are tasked with maintaining the Code.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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