Infrastructure Minister has welcomed an announcement
from the Irish Government providing up to €2 million towards
a Shared Island Greenways Fund.
Minister Kimmins said: “My Department has been working
closely with colleagues in both the Department of Transport (DoT)
and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to identify and
progress a coherent network of cross-border greenway schemes
including the identification of potential linkages between the
existing network in both jurisdictions.
“This €2 million funding from the Shared Island Fund
builds on this strategic vision and will support border
councils in the ongoing and future development of cross-border
greenway projects.
“Cross-border greenways provide a transformative
opportunity to enhance sustainable transport, tourism and
regional connectivity and my Department will continue to work
closely with colleagues in DOT, TII and the relevant councils to
maximise this funding opportunity to support delivery.”
In addition to the Greenways Fund the Minister also welcomed the
contribution of €5.9m to develop cross-border emergency
management capacity on flood response and technical rescue
operations.
Minister Kimmins added: “Changing weather patterns are
bringing warmer temperatures, heavier rainfall and, as a result,
an increase in flooding and flood risk which affects us all
across this island. We cannot control the weather but we can take
actions to mitigate the problems our changing climate can cause.
Working in partnership with our multi-agency partners on an
all-island basis is key to dealing with the consequences of
flooding. This builds on the mutual aid arrangements already in
place and I welcome this funding to the north's Fire and Rescue
Service for procurement of high volume pumps and specialised
flood rescue equipment which will help strengthen the
multi-agency response and capability across this
island.”
