Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
321. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the stakeholders TII plans to engage with as part of the review of the code of best practice for national and regional greenways; when such engagement will begin; whether impacted landowners will be formally consulted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14698/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual National and Regional Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). They are tasked with maintaining the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways.
The Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was published in late 2021 following its development and finalisation by a sub-group made up of a range of representatives from the rural recreation, tourism, sport, farming, local business development and transport sectors. The intention of the Code is to ensure a transparent and pragmatic approach in relation to the delivery of Greenways and ensuring that landowners are engaged with throughout the development process. On publication, TII committed to a review of the Code after 5 years which will fall due in November 2026. This review has been brought forward following on from discussion of the Code at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport in November 2025.
A review of the Code will be carried out in parallel with a review of the Strategy for National and Regional Greenways (which was published in 2018) – the Strategy is a matter for the Department of Transport. TII have advised my officials that the terms of reference for the Code review have been drafted as well as proposed work streams and timelines and work is underway to finalise these arrangements.
My officials have advised that in addition to a formal round of public consultation, feedback will also be invited from relevant stakeholders during an earlier stage of the review process. Stakeholder identification is to be finalised - I understand that farmer representative groups as well as some community groups will be consulted at both consultation stages. I note that it is important that the review incorporates a wide range of views from all parties but does so in a consistent and pragmatic manner. I expect engagement to begin in the coming weeks.
