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 €9,950,000 allocated in 2026 alone.
The Code of Practice for National and Regional Greenways includes information on the acquisition of private lands for developing Greenways and eligibility criteria for sustainability payments. 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 of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways.
Landowners on some greenway schemes are not eligible for Early Sign-on Payment part A of the Greenway Sustainability as the statutory consents granted preceded the introduction of the Code in January 2022. Additional proposals have been brought forward (by some landowners, farming organisations, and elected members) regarding providing a financial support similar to the ‘Early Sign-On Payment’ to these landowners.
While these fall outside the current Code of Best Practice, I am positively disposed to examining them further. Any such consideration will require careful assessment, and my Departmental Officials and TII colleagues have already begun this work and a decision will be made before year end.
