372. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on plans for the Corlea Trackway; the timeframe for the implementation; the funding available; the start date for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45595/26]

The Corlea Trackway, located near Kenagh Village in County Longford, is an extensive 18m Iron Age oak trackway constructed in 148BC, which provides a unique insight into prehistoric engineering, ancient Irish boglands, society and ritual activity. It is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries and the largest of its kind in Europe. Discovered during Bord na Móna’s peat extraction in the midlands in the 1980s, the timbers are vulnerable to environmental damage from changing humidity and temperatures and in recent times, conservation cleaning of the Trackway has been undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre features an interpretive exhibition, which presents and preserves “a pathway to the past” and a significant heritage site.

This project is among the first round of approved investment grants for projects announced by Fáilte Ireland that are being delivered as part of its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, under the EU Just Transition Fund. The Corlea Trackway project was granted €262k under this scheme for the development of a feasibility project exploring the sustainable development of the project and its interactions with the wider destination including developments along the canals and surrounding protected living bogland.

Following a competitive tender process, the OPW appointed Hall McKnight to undertake the feasibility study examining options for the future development of the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre and its associated visitor infrastructure. The study is now nearing completion, and its findings will be considered by the OPW in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Subject to approval, and the availability of funding, proposals arising from the study will be progressed: however, no decisions have yet been made regarding scope, timing, or implementation of any future development works. Any future works will be subject to planning consents and availability of resources.