Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2024
107. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the position on progressing the delivery of a greenway from a town to a nature preserve (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37754/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 TII do not currently have a greenway planned from the town of Macroom to The Gearagh nature reserve in County Cork. For new projects to be considered, Cork County Council would need to carry out an initial assessment on the rationale for the proposal and, if appropriate, submit a request to TII for the provision of funds. This would then be assessed for feasibility and prioritisation against all other applications for funding.
The town of Macroom is included in the study area of the N22 Baile Bhuirne to Macroom Active Travel scheme, for which Cork County Council received a €250,000 funding allocation in 2024 to progress feasibility and option selection. The scheme aims to improve active travel measures from west of Baile Bhuirne to east of Macroom town, along the length of the now-bypassed “old N22” route. It is envisaged that the scheme will be delivered in phases, concentrating on the village and town centres first. The provision of Active Travel measures in Baile Bhuirne and Macroom remain subject to further appraisal steps, any applicable Statutory Approvals and funding availability.
