The Department of Transport has appointed consultants to carry out a review of the national strategy on greenways.

The primary focus of the review will be the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways - which was launched by government in July, 2018.

However, some elements of the Code of Best Practice National and Regional Greenways are expected to be included in the review.

The department noted that changes have taken place in recent years in relation to the funding and delivery of greenway projects.

It said a review of national policy documents is necessary to ensure they remain relevant and fit for purpose.

Review

It is understood that Jacobs Consulting has been appointed to lead several activities under the review, including market research and stakeholder engagement.

The stakeholder engagement will include landowner representative bodies, advocavy group and semi-State organisations with land holdings.

There will also be engagement with local authorities, organisations engaged in the development and delivery of greenway routes, government departments and organisations that promote greenways.

It is understood that the Jacobs teams will be contacting the various stakeholders in the coming weeks to gather their views.

The feedback will be considered by the Department of Transport when it examines potential revisions to the strategy document.

It is expected that the revised draft document will be released for public consultation following any updates.

Review

In response to a recent parliamentary question, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said that a review of the Code of Best Practice National and Regional Greenways will be carried out in parallel with a review of the strategy.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), which is tasked with maintaining the code, will be responsible for this review.

"TII have advised my officials that the terms of reference for the review of the code and strategy have been finalised and work is underway to progress the review.

"It is expected that the review of both the code and the strategy will conclude in 2026," Minister O'Brien said.

The code was published in late 2021 following its development by a group made up of a range of representatives from the rural recreation, tourism, sport, farming, local business development and transport sectors.

It provides information on the planning, designing and constructing of greenways, including the public consultation processes, route selection and statutory processes.

Funding

Earlier this year, the government allocated funding of €62 million for greenway projects in 2026.

This was part of a broader €360 million capital funding package for active travel and sustainable transport, which includes an additional €290 million dedicated to local cycling and walking networks.

The €62 million greenway funding is managed and distributed by TII.