657. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of progress of the Grand Canal greenway project between Hazelhatch, Celbridge, County Kildare and the 12th lock in Lucan, County Dublin; the timeline for completion of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43078/19]

Waterways Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is working closely with Local Authorities and The National Transport Authority along the route of the Royal and Grand canals to advance development of the canal towpaths into long distance Greenways for walking and cycling.

There is planning permission in place since late Spring 2019 for the upgrade of the Grand Canal towpath from the 12th Lock in Lucan to Hazelhatch, Celbridge, Co. Kildare (approximately 4km) to cycle standard.

Although the area was part of a wider greenway funding application made by Waterways Ireland to the Department for Transport, Tourism and Sport earlier this year, no funding was granted for this particular section.

In the meantime, I am keeping this matter under ongoing review and examining potential sources of funding.