191. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport if dedicated funding will be made available to support the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of greenways in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49112/26]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to greenways. Approximately €60m has been allocated to Greenways in 2026. Funding is administered through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), who, in conjunction with local authorities, have responsibility for the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways.

The allocated funding made available to Greenways in 2026 is reserved for capital expenditure only. This funding stream does include provision for protection and renewal works such as the purchase of maintenance machinery, pavement resurfacing and rehabilitation, drainage system upgrades, replacement of fencing, and restraint systems and replacement of road markings. Significant investment in terms of capital asset renewal works has taken place in recent years on older Greenway routes such as the Old Rail Trail and the Great Western Greenway.

The responsibilities for the ongoing maintenance, liability, and promotion of a Greenway rests with the sponsoring agency or local authority. TII and local authorities have previously raised the matter of current funding with Departmental officials in relation to the maintenance of greenways to complete activities such as landscape maintenance, pothole repair and path cleaning. This matter will continue to be considered by Department officials in the context of the Estimates Process.