Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2019
585. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure from 1 January to 31 August 2019 under headings (details supplied); and the projects funded under B8.1 Smarter Travel/Sustainable Urban Transport. [52819/19]
View answer586. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the planned and-or budgeted capital expenditure from 1 January 2020 to 31 August 2020 under headings (details supplied); and the projects to be funded in 2020 under B8.1 Smarter Travel / Sustainable Urban Transport. [52820/19]
View answer592. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure of his Department from 1 January to 31 August 2019 under headings (details supplied); and the projects funded under B8.1 Smarter Travel/Sustainable Urban Transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52852/19]
View answer594. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure of his Department from 1 January to 31 August 2019 under headings (details supplied). [52876/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 585, 586, 592 and 594 together.
As the Deputies are is aware, funding provided under these subheads is related to capital expenditure programmes and part of a multi-annual capital funding programme. The timing of expenditure on programmes such as these are by their nature dependent on a number of variables and therefore monthly or quarterly expenditure must be viewed within that context. The majority of the funding allocation each year tends to be drawn down toward the year end. Reporting of annual expenditure outturns is made publicly available each year through the Department's audited Appropriation Account and related reports to, and appearances before, the Oireachtas.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, including cycling infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the allocation of funding at project level, working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
I can advise the Deputy that, since announcement of Budget 2020, the overall funding for my Department's two principal active travel related programmes is now likely to increase to over €100 million in total. This improved funding allocation does not include the Bus Connects programme which itself will deliver 200km of largely segregated cycle lanes across Dublin. It also does not encompass various other funding sources that can be supportive of walking and cycling, such as €23 million for 2020 under the Greenways Strategy and funding that is provided outside my Department, like the Urban & Rural Regeneration and Development funds.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
