John Deasy
Question:155 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to announce the successful applicants for the smarter travel initiative. [10033/11]
View answerWednesday, 4 May 2011
Questions (155, 156, 157)
John Deasy
Question:156 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the criteria used to identify successful applications for the smarter travel initiative. [10034/11]
View answerJohn Deasy
Question:157 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the review process used for the smarter travel initiative for successful applications; if this will be carried out on an annual basis; if continued funding for the scheme will be based on the level of achievement reached by successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10035/11]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 to 157, inclusive, together.
With regard to the application review process for the Smarter Travel Areas Competition, eleven projects were short-listed from an original total of 39 for Stage 2 of the Competition. Local Authorities submitted written proposals to my Department which were assessed by a selection panel. A decision has yet to be announced regarding the outcome of the Smarter Travel Areas Competition.
The future of the Programme is being considered in the context of the available budget for 2011 and the National Recovery Plan. However, this programme is one I believe has considerable merit. While the scope and scale originally envisaged for the scheme is no longer possible given the current fiscal situation, there may be some scope to proceed with a scheme scaled back in size. I believe that Smarter Travel Areas have the potential to provide a basis for future evidence based investment in the range of sustainable travel measures.
The local authorities concerned will be notified of the outcome of the review in due course. Finally, given the current status of the Competition as outlined, it is premature at this stage to confirm review processes for future initiatives and funding provisions for existing Competition applications. I intend to formally delegate the Smarter Travel Areas under the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to the Minister for State for Public and Commuter Transport, Deputy Alan Kelly, in the coming days.