24 July 2018
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Clonakilty based Jim Daly TD (FG)
Persistence is key is the message from Minister Jim Daly on the announcement of a funding stream being made available exclusively for greenways, a stream of funding that the Minister has been calling for since 2015.
“Back in January of 2015, I raised the topical issue in the Dáil about the need for a dedicated stream of funding to progress construction of greenways, blueways and other outdoor trails to then Minister for Tourism Pascal Donohue. I relayed the overall dream of people in West Cork of having the opportunity for tourists to fly in to Cork Airport and travel by greenway across West Cork.”
The dedicated stream of funding of €53million will be made available shortly with the aim of replicating the successes seen with greenways in Waterford, Westport and the old rail trail in Moat. The strategy advises community groups on what aspects need to be taken into consideration when developing a greenway such as, scenery, amenities and landowner consultation.
Concluding Minister Daly said “I welcome [the] announcement of €53million specifically dedicated to the development of greenways and blueways. While I have been working in tandem with community groups in West Cork over the many years to develop the full potential of their area, I would once again urge communities in West Cork to continue their persistence with the ambitions and plans they have developed and if any of them need assistance they are welcome to contact my office on 023 88 43868. As we all know, persistence is key and the announcement of this fund is testament to my persistence over the years. ”
Under the Strategy for the future development of National and Regional greenways, community groups are encouraged to liaison with their Local Authorities to develop green ways under the specific criteria set out under the new strategy plan. Details on the new strategy plan can be found on the Departments website, www.dttas.ie.
