As outlined in my response to Question No. 20 of 2 November, 2016, funding for the development of sustainable transport infrastructure, particularly cycling and walking infrastructure, is provided under a number of different programmes; the Smarter Travel Programme operated directly by my Department and the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) and Regional Cities Programmes which are operated by the National Transport Authority.
In light of the NTA's responsibility for the administration of the STMG Programme, I have forwarded the first part of Deputy's question in relation to a breakdown of the spending under this Programme to the NTA for direct reply.
The funding provided under these three Programmes from 2013 to 2016 is set out in the table below alongside the total net capital expenditure by my Department in each of these years.
|
Programme
|
2013
€m
|
2014
€m
|
2015
€m
|
2016
€m
|
|
Smarter Travel
|
12.624
|
12.136
|
19.734
|
11.465
|
|
STMG
|
28.455
|
27.193
|
25.414
|
21.246
|
|
Regional Cities
|
11.315
|
13.649
|
12.700
|
12.969
|
|
Total of 3 Programmes
|
52.394
|
52.978
|
57.848
|
45.680
|
|
Total Net Capital Expenditure by DTTAS
|
674.858
|
712.500
|
744.321
|
915.453
|
|
Total of 3 Programmes as % of total Net Capital Expenditure
|
8%
|
7%
|
8%
|
5%
|
It is not possible to provide a breakdown of the expenditure within these programmes exclusively on cycling and walking infrastructure. For example, cycling lanes may often be developed in tandem with, or as part of other infrastructure works such as bus lanes. In addition, expenditure under the smarter travel programme in these years also included expenditure on softer measures including behavioural change programmes and initiatives designed to support a modal shift to walking and cycling.
The estimated figures for 2017 for Smarter Travel, the STMG and Regional Cities Programmes are €9.333m, €19m and €9.1m respectively.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
