A total of €9,950,000 has been allocated for greenways in Co. Kerry so far this year.

The number was shared by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien in reply to a question by Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.

Deputy Cahill asked the minister for details on 'Greenway Sustainability Payment A' to all landowners impacted by the South Kerry Greenway.

Greenway sustainability payments (GSPs) fall into two categories: GSP A is an early sign-on payment where voluntary land acquisition agreement is agreed on as a pre-planning decision; while GSP B is payable when the greenway opens.

In his reply on Tuesday (July 14), Minister O’Brien shared overall figures, before discussing GSPs.

He said: “To date, there has been a significant amount of investment for greenway schemes in Co. Kerry, with €9,950,000 allocated in 2026 alone. 

He added that the code acknowledges the important role of farmers and landowners in the process.

The minister said: “It outlines the procedures to ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably.

"Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are tasked with maintaining the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways.”

Early sign-on

Minister O’Brien added that landowners on some greenway schemes are not eligible for Early Sign-on Payment part A, as the statutory consents granted preceded the introduction of the code in January 2022. 

He said: “Additional proposals have been brought forward (by some landowners, farming organisations, and elected members) regarding providing a financial support similar to the ‘Early Sign-On Payment’ to these landowners. 

“While these fall outside the current Code of Best Practice, I am positively disposed to examining them further.”

The minister said that any such consideration will require "careful assessment", that his departmental officials and TII colleagues have already begun this work, and said that a decision will be made before the end of the year.