Greenway has to be prioritised says Troy

Ensuring that the tourism potential of the Greenway is maximised will be one of the Deputy Robert Troy’s objectives in his new role as Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport.

The Ballynacargy native, who was the FF spokesperson on children’s affairs during the last Dáil, received his new portfolio last week.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Deputy Troy said that he was happy that party leader Micheál Martin had placed his “trust and confidence in him”.

“It’s seen as a more senior position than the spokesperson for children. It’s a new challenge and a big portfolio, which affects everyone’s lives when you think of the public transport system. It can also make a big difference economically.”

Given the precarious position of the new minority government, Deputy Troy says that it’s more likely that “bright ideas” from the opposition benches will become policy than during previous administrations.

“They will be left with no option but to bring them on board, which is a good position to be in,” he said.

While he says he is still becoming acquainted with his new brief and is reluctant as of yet to say too much about the Luas dispute, other than it needs to be resolved as quickly as possible, Deputy Troy says one of his objectives will be to try and maximise the tourism potential of the Greenway for the local economy.

“It has huge potential and needs to be further rolled out. It’s not yet running the whole way to Dublin or Galway. The previous government didn’t prioritise its roll out.

“From a national, as well as a local perspective, it’s important. If people are cycling from Dublin to Galway, they might stop in Mullingar for the night.

“I also think that a national plan should be put in place for Ireland’s lakes. They are an under-utilised tourism resource and have a lot of potential,” he said.

As for going toe to toe with the new minister for transport, Deputy Shane Ross, he says that the Dublin South TD has been a vocal critic of the performances of previous governments and has set himself very high standards to live up to.

“He’s made reference in the past that being in government contaminates people, so it will be interesting to see if it happens to him.

“He’s talked the talk in the past and he now has an opportunity to make a difference as a government minister. It’s my job to hold him to account,” Deputy Troy said.