100. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on progress of the Arklow to Shillelagh greenway; to outline the next steps in the process, and a timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15349/26]

Sentiment score: 0.15

I thank the Minister of State. In my life, before I took up this position, I was heavily involved in the tourism industry in south County Wicklow for over 20 years. I know first-hand the area’s needs and I cannot emphasise enough the importance of this greenway project. Our support for this is simply critical, as for decades now there is a genuine feeling in south County Wicklow that it has been ignored in terms of tourism investment. This project will simply be a game changer and a catalyst for future tourism developments in Arklow, Woodenbridge, Aughrim, Tinahely and Shillelagh and everywhere in between. I am of the belief that tourism is the greatest commodity we have in this country. When a person has guests staying in towns or villages it really ticks so many boxes; employment, support for local suppliers, shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants. I recognise there has been positive progress on this project over the past few months, but this project is simply taking too long. The first meeting was held nine years ago, on 17 October 2017, in Lawless’ Hotel, Aughrim. We must stay positive and I look forward to ensuring this particular project comes to fruition.

Sentiment score: 0.28

I totally agree with the Minister of State. I drive this route every week. I try to have a vision of what will happen – not if but when – this greenway happens. We look at cafés on the quays in Arklow, Woodenbridge buzzing with tourists, Lawless’ Hotel in Aughrim reopening, bike shops in Tinahely or more pods in Shillelagh. It is going to be simply transformative. We often overuse the term “game-changer”, but it will literally open up new tourism in south County Wicklow. I worked for years in tourism and fought against the Westports, Galways and Killarneys to get tourists into south County Wicklow. When we get this project it will be transformative and we need the Minister of State’s help along the way.

Sentiment score: 0.08