583. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the provision of funding to a project (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41546/15]

Funding for the delivery of greenways is fully committed up until 2016. However, the development of a greenway along the Royal Canal from Abbeyshrule to Ballymahon is one of various projects which would be considered for funding should additional resources become available. Officials from my Department along with colleagues from the National Trails Office and Fáilte Ireland visited the location of this proposed greenway recently to assess its suitability. I understand that the results of their assessment, and their assessments of other proposals, will be available shortly.

I understand that planning permission is already in place for this project and this would be helpful should funding become available. Indeed, I would urge other local authorities to follow Longford County Council's lead in progressing projects through the planning phase from their own resources as this will mean that projects are 'shovel ready' and thus easier to allocate funding to.