Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
578. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding capital expenditure in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3080/19]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware I have secured improved funding allocations over the period 2018-2021 which will benefit both cyclists and walkers.
These improved allocations over this period include:
- €110 million specifically dedicated to cycling and walking infrastructure in our major urban areas;
- €135 million for sustainable urban transport measures;
- €750 million approximately towards the BusConnects programme in Dublin which will include the delivery of around 200 kilometres of segregated cycling lanes, where possible; and
- €53 million to support the development of new Greenways.
In addition to the above, Government has also made additional money available for cycling projects through both the Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Funds under the National Development Plan.
End year figures for 2018 are currently being finalised; in the meantime, the provisional expenditure outturn for sustainable transport measures that benefit walking and cycling are as follows:
- €18.1 million spent specifically on cycling and walking infrastructure in our major urban areas;
- €19.3 million spent on smarter travel and sustainable transport measures, which will benefit both cyclists and walkers.
Funding under these programmes as detailed above will increase again in 2019 with approximately €48 million allocated toward the programmes.
The figures detailed above do not include monies allocated under the aforementioned Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Funds or under my Department's Greenways Strategy.
I believe that the improved multi-annual capital expenditure figures outlined above will positively assist with the better development and provision of cycling infrastructure across the State, while improving the safety for all road users.
