Robert Troy
Question:494. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding provided to date in 2018 for the purposes of building cycle ways and greenways by county. [53969/18]
View answerWednesday, 19 December 2018
Questions (494)
Written answers
In relation to cycleways specifically, the NTA has statutory responsibility to secure or provide cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area and the Regional Cities of Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
As the Deputy may be aware, over the period 2018 to 2021 I have secured significantly improved funding allocations which will benefit both cycling and walking.
These improved allocations over the 2018 to 2021 period include:
- €110million specifically dedicated to cycling and walking infrastructure in our major urban areas;
- €135million for sustainable urban transport measures; and
- €750million towards the BusConnects programme in Dublin which will include the delivery of around 200 kilometres of segregated cycling lanes, where possible.
As can be seen from the above, these are multi-annual capital expenditure programmes which will positively assist with the better development and provision of cycling and walking infrastructure across the State.
In addition to these infrastructure measures, my Department also provides funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to behavioural change programmes and to Cycling Ireland to develop a new national cycle training standard - "Cycle Right" – which was rolled out in January 2017 and expected to train approximately 20,000 primary school students this year.
In regards to Greenways, €3,256,402 was drawn down in 2018 by existing projects that have been allocated funding.
Waterford City and County Council drew down a total of €1,398,565 in 2018. This was to cover additional works on the Waterford Greenway.
Kildare County Council drew down a total of €1,130,843 this year to cover work on their section of the Galway to Dublin Greenway.
Meath County Council had a drawdown of €111,000 for the year for their work on the Royal Canal Greenway.
I expect that the Maynooth to Athlone section of the Galway to Dublin Greenway will be open by summer 2019.
Kerry County Council drew down €597,304 on planning and design works for the South Kerry Greenway.
Clare County Council had a drawdown of €11,716 on the West Clare Greenway in 2018.
An allocation of €6,973 was also made given to Sport Ireland Trails for their Trail inspection programme and Eurovelo assessments.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A