Brendan Griffin
Question:1400. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for developing greenways and safe cycling routes nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17379/13]
View answerTuesday, 16 April 2013
Questions (1400, 1410)
Arthur Spring
Question:1410. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current availability of funding for the development of cycling and walking trails here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17692/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1400 and 1410 together.
My Department is currently administering a multi annual funding programme related to the development of the National Cycle Network (NCN) to cover the period 2012 to 2016. Significant investment has already been made in 2012 and 2013 with €7 million allocated to 18 projects across Ireland. As this phase of the programme will expire at the end of 2013, it is my intention to initiate a new funding call later this year to provide, through competitive process, a further tranche of funding for the remainder of the years to 2016. This funding, which is provided to local authorities, will help to deliver cycleways in keeping with the objectives of the National Cycle Policy Framework. Through this programme, my Department is supporting local authority cycle projects that have considerable merit from the perspective of generating recreational, tourism and economic activity as well as potential for achieving modal shift. In addition, I have established a seed funding scheme this year, which is designed to assist authorities who do not have the resources to develop proposals for projects of such merit. Again, priority for this funding will be given to routes that would significantly enhance cycling infrastructure in a particular area and would also attract recreational and tourism demand as well as generating significant benefits to the local economy. My officials are currently considering applications from local authorities.
I should also mention that significant funding has been made available for the development of cycling infrastructure and walking trails by agencies under this Department. The National Transport Authority manage managing funding programmes which includes the development of cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area and in the regional cities. Similarly, in the context of tourism, the funding of walking and cycling routes for the purpose of tourism development is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Therefore, I have referred the specific question of funding availability to Fáilte Ireland and the National Transport Authority for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if a reply has not been received within ten working days.