Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
820. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Covid-19 mobility framework; and the reason the process was started two months into the pandemic and not at the outset. [7813/20]
View answer824. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the Covid-19 mobility frameworks nationwide; if not, if the matter will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7870/20]
View answer846. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on providing additional funding and clear guidance to local authorities on the establishment of walking and cycling infrastructure to ensure safety and social distancing are a priority in towns and cities. [8211/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 820, 824 and 846 together.
I welcome the fact the National Transport Authority (NTA) is engaging with local authorities to support them in the development of COVID Mobility plans and importantly to also support the local authorities in their delivery of required infrastructure improvements. As we move through the phases of Government's "Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business", improvements introduced under these plans will play an important role in providing additional transport capacity and also facilitating social distancing in urban areas.
I can confirm that the NTA has written to all 31 local authorities to offer its financial and technical support and this support will be funded through my Department's sustainable mobility investment programme. The NTA envisages a range of measures may be required in our cities and towns, such as
- Widening of footpaths to facilitate queuing outside shops and enable social distancing;
- Potential pedestrianisation of some streets where necessary and feasible to accommodate social distancing, particularly where this supports business activities;
- Potential one-way systems to create space for footpath widening;
- Altering traffic signal times to reduce pedestrian waiting/crowding plus the automatic activation of some pedestrian phases in order to to aid pedestrian movement and to minimise contact with signal push buttons;
- Providing additional temporary facilities for cyclists; and
- Provision of some external space where appropriate to support business activities.
Deputies will be aware that some local authorities have already put in place improvements to facilitate increased active travel and I expect these improvements will continue in the coming weeks and months.
