Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
322. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the way in which greenway projects continue to proceed in advance of the completion of the review of the code of best practice for national and regional greenways; whether consideration has been given to pausing new developments pending the outcome of that review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14699/26]
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 finalisation, TII committed to a review of the Code after 5 years which will fall 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 review of the Code have been drafted as well as proposed work streams and timelines and work is underway to finalise these arrangements. It is expected that the review of both the Code and the Strategy will conclude in 2026.
To avoid pre-empting the outcomes of the review process, the existing arrangements as set out in the Code and the Strategy will remain valid until the review has concluded. It is important to note that the arrangements set out in the Code were previously agreed by representatives from a wide range of sectors.
