Written Answers Nos. 26-49
26. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport his plans to meet with the CEO of the IAA regarding policy on the aviation industry and the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35774/20]
View answer41. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport his engagement with the proposed new CEO of the IAA; his views on the Covid-19 safety guidelines drawn up by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, on airline travel; his further views on the future role for the IAA in ensuring passenger safety during the ongoing public health crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35793/20]
View answer65. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to meet with the IAA regarding changes in the remit of the organisation, especially its role during the Covid-19 crisis in aviation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35772/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 41 and 65 together.
As you may know, the Irish Aviation Authority currently operates under a dual mandate, within which it provides air traffic management services on a commercial basis to the aviation industry and is also the safety and security regulator of that same industry. Under this dual mandate, the IAA also regulates some of its own commercial functions. Government policy is to decouple these two roles, and as part of this reform initiative I have had engagement with the Authority. In addition my Department has ongoing engagement with IAA in relation to corporate governance and policy matters including, for example, the response to the Covid 19 crisis and Brexit.
Under planned structural reforms, the existing for-profit air navigation services will be separated out as a standalone commercial semi-State body, while the Commission for Aviation Regulation’s economic and consumer affairs responsibilities will be merged with the IAA’s remaining safety and security regulation functions. The result will be a strong, single aviation regulator overseeing all aspects of Irish aviation. This newly reformed IAA will provide a single point of contact for all of Ireland’s aviation regulatory requirements – for consumers, the traveling public and industry. Draft legislation to give legal effect to these institutional reforms is being finalised, which I hope to publish soon, and the Authority is hiring a new Chief Regulator following an international recruitment process run by the Public Appointment Service. The new Regulator will take up the position on January 1, 2021.
As to how the present Covid pandemic has impacted the IAA, the collapse in air traffic has had a detrimental impact on its for-profit revenue streams coming from air traffic services. Also, in its role as regulator of aviation safety and security within the State it has had to adjust to the public health disruption caused by Covid and the operational challenges that this brings to all sectors of our society at this time. However, it is important to note that both sets of challenges are being managed.
On the matter of the EASA/ECDC Covid-19 Health Safety Protocols, these provide important and coordinated guidance on measures to protect public health arising from air travel. Drawing from this guidance, my Department has produced a national “Protocol for the management of air passengers in light of Covid-19,” which sets out a number of important measures covering the end-to-end passenger journey. It is important to understand that the EASA/ECDC Protocols, and the National Protocols that flow from these, are subject to regular review to ensure that they are up to date with developments.
The European Commission has indicated a preference for greater harmonisation and coordination of the EU approach to international travel. It recently requested EASA/ECDC is to develop a a proposal for a common EU approach to testing for COVID 19 to facilitate international travel. I expect that this proposal will be put forward by EASA/ECDC in the coming weeks.
27. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the reason driver testers are taking only six tests per day instead of eight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35524/20]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) developed protocols for conducting the driving test safely during the pandemic, following detailed consideration and medical advice. Due to the additional hygiene and sanitation procedures that are now absolutely necessary, each testing slot now takes a much longer time to complete. As a result, the number of tests a tester can safely conduct per day was reduced from eight to five when the service reopened. Following experience of managing the tests under Covid restrictions, this was increased to six in mid-September.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA who are examining ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints.
28. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the status of the feasibility study into bringing the metro to south-western areas of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35765/20]
View answer85. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of his plans for feasibility studies for the metro south of St. Stephen's Green in respect of potential new or additional routes. [35788/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 85 together.
As Deputies are aware the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and delivery of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including light rail / metro.
In line with international best practice the NTA is required by statute to develop a 20-year multi-modal Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area and, under law, that Transport Strategy must then be reflected in all relevant land-use plans. The legislation requires the NTA to review its 20-year Strategy every six years to allow for consideration of changed, or changing, circumstances.
I very much welcome this approach toward strategic transport planning and believe it allows for a whole-of-system review of transport needs considered within the broader context of population, employment and spatial trends. It is vitally important that we consider our transport requirements on a systemic level rather than focussing purely on one particular mode or another.
The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 was developed by the NTA a few years ago and, in line with its statutory obligations, the NTA has now commenced preparatory work on a review of the Strategy; that review will include consideration of possible future metro lines such as those referred to by the Deputies. The review will include a comprehensive analysis of changes to population projections, development density, employment forecasts and future travel demand patterns since the finalisation of the current strategy. This analysis will be utilized to reassess the public transport needs across the city and will include the evaluation of bus, light rail and metro options.
The review will be subject to a full public consultation, including the publication of all background reports and feasibility studies and that public consultation will take place next year.
29. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the provision of public transport for Carlow town; when such a service can be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35776/20]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
30. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on projects in the east County Cork area under the review of the national development plan 2018-2027 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35792/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.
Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the NDP.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward the planned review of the NDP and use the review to set out an updated NDP for the period to 2030. The review of the NDP will be aligned with the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040. Work is underway within my Department to contribute to this planned review. Questions in relation to the review of the NDP generally may be addressed to my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
31. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport his views as to whether student nurses joining the front line against Covid-19 should be exempt from the six-month rule for sitting the driver test; if so, the steps he will take to implement the necessary changes needed; the timeframe to implement these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35785/20]
View answerFirst-time learner permit holders must wait six months after the date of issue of their permit before they can sit their driving test. I will not be making any exceptions to this requirement.
As part of the learning process, the 6 month rule for first time permit holders is designed to give the learner driver the opportunity to gain the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licenced driver. The more practice and experience a person gets, the better a driver they are likely to become.
Public safety is paramount, and never more so than in the case of our frontline workers, whether through infection or through death or injury on our roads. For this reason we must not relax the standards required of our drivers before being awarded a driving licence.
32. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the status and position regarding the Sallins bypass; the reason for non-Covid-19 delays during 2020; the status of the cycle and jogging path alongside the bypass; his views on the integration of the bypass with the Grand Canal Greenway; the projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35777/20]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The main design and construction elements of the Naas Bypass widening Scheme, the Osberstown Interchange and the Sallins Bypass are being progressed under one construction contract. The Department is providing grant assistance for the Sallins Bypass element of the scheme.
Kildare County Council, as the contracting authority, has overall responsibility for the implementation of the scheme and the engagement with the contractor on the delivery of the various elements of the scheme. In this context the Council is best placed to report on the issues raised by the Deputy, including progress by the contractor in delivering different elements of the scheme and to advise on how this compares with the scheme programme.
33. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the transport rationale of allowing less car park spaces than apartments in build-to-rent developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35361/20]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, housing policy and planning and building regulations are matters for my colleague the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in the first instance.
When developing transport policy, I am determined that this Government will deliver a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland as committed to in the Programme for Government.
My Department is carrying out a review of sustainable mobility policy, which includes active travel (walking and cycling) and public transport. It is the first review in 10 years and the aim is to put in place a new policy framework that supports a shift away from the private car to greater use of sustainable transport modes.
At the heart of that change, it is vital that both land use and transport are planned in ways that are mutually supportive to bring better cohesion in the planning between where people live, and their places of work, of education, where they shop and location of public services.
The links between land use and transport are well recognised and my Department is working collaboratively with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to strengthen the policy links between these areas.
34. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport his overall national policy on fares on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35135/20]
View answer58. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the high costs of public transport in rural areas prohibiting some from availing of public transport in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35804/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 58 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services. I have, therefore, referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for direct reply. I ask the Deputies to advise my private office if they do not receive a reply within ten working days.
35. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the status of the roll-out of the greater Dublin area, GDA, cycle network in County Kildare. [35778/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future sets out an ambitious and wide-ranging set of commitments in relation to walking and cycling, supported by an increased multi-annual budgetary allocation amounting to some €1.8 billion for active travel over the lifetime of the Government.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), allocating funds at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred you question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
36. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if infrastructural improvements on the rail and bus networks in County Clare will be considered by his Department. [35523/20]
View answer69. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if rail and bus infrastructure improvements are planned to bolster public transport in County Clare. [35522/20]
View answer159. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has engaged with Irish Rail on the feasibility of opening a rail line between Sixmilebridge, County Clare, and Shannon Airport. [36124/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 69 and 159 together.
This Government is committed toward increasing the share of persons using sustainable modes of transport – be that on foot, on bicycle or on public transport – and I am determined that we deliver a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland as committed to in the Programme for Government.
There are a number of initiatives underway examining the potential for improved sustainable mobility in county Clare.
Firstly, the Deputy will be aware of the draft Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) which has been developed by the National Transport Authority, in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The draft Strategy has a number of proposals in relation to improving sustainable mobility in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area, which of course includes Shannon and surrounding areas in county Clare. Consultation on the draft Strategy recently concluded and submissions received will now be considered by the NTA.
Secondly, there is the NTA’s ‘Connecting Ireland’ initiative which aims to provide better public transport connections between villages and towns by linking them with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide. The NTA is commencing a two-phase consultation, beginning with local authority officials and other key stakeholders on the main concepts of Connecting Ireland, which will be followed by a wider public consultation on the proposals in Q2 2021.
Finally, as part of Government’s decision this week of a further support package for the aviation sector there is a specific commitment for a feasibility study to be undertaken into the potential for a rail link to Shannon Airport from the existing rail line in County Clare.
As the Deputy can see from the above, Government is actively supporting the development of improved sustainable mobility options in County Clare and I look forward to working with stakeholders in that regard.
37. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport his plans to commence the roll-out of the Dublin Bus strategy, BusConnects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35360/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the roll-out of BusConnects Dublin.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
38. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given by his Department to increasing the numbers of buses on specific routes in Dublin city to cope with current demands during level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35775/20]
View answer40. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether public transport providers can cope with demand in the remaining weeks of level 5 restrictions at only 25% capacity; his plans to provide extra services on Dublin Bus or BusConnects routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34823/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 40 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. Continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and public transport has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis. I would like to thank both all operators and their staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times. A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services safely during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.
The Government's new "Living with Covid" Plan sets out capacity guidance for public transport at each of the 5 risk levels identified in the new Plan. The Plan provides guidance for the public about using public transport at the different risk levels; including that wearing face coverings is mandatory, and encouraging use of off-peak services and sustainable active travel alternative options where feasible.
Due to the rising incidences of Covid-19 in the community, An Taoiseach announced that for a period of six weeks from midnight on Wednesday 21st October, the whole country would move to Level 5 of the Plan. At current levels of risk, public transport operators are restricted to using only 25% of the passenger-carrying capacity on their vehicles. Importantly, the Plan's guidance on working from home where possible and on the closure of social, leisure and other facilities has reduced the demand for public transport well below normal levels. The advice is aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most, including frontline workers and students. Both my Department and the NTA are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice.
Since the move to level 5, the NTA and bus operators in Dublin (Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland), have re-allocated a number of vehicles and drivers across the network to enhance the capacity in areas where they were experiencing capacity issues.
Approximately 43 buses have been redeployed by Dublin Bus since October 22nd to help mitigate the impact of the capacity restrictions and reduce the number of passengers being left at stops. Where possible, these vehicles are being deployed during peak demand times, particularly for school travel. These measures have also assisted in reducing passengers' wait times at stops. Currently, all available vehicles are in use, so whilst the re-allocation will ease the situation, it remains the case that there will still be instances of people having to wait for another bus.
The NTA continues to monitor the effects of the reduction in capacity very closely in conjunction with public transport operators.
39. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some persons who had received appointment dates for their driver theory tests during the six-week level 5 restriction period had their tests cancelled and rescheduled 18 weeks after the initial date; his views on the adequacy of this; the steps he will take to rectify this; the timeframe for it to be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35786/20]
View answerThe protocol for scheduling appointments is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority in consultation with the Theory Test service provider, and one in which I have no role.
However, as I understand, following the closure of the Driver Theory Test service under level 5 restrictions, all appointments during this six week period have been rescheduled to the next available appointment date.
As I am sure you are aware, the Theory Test service was temporarily suspended in March 2020 due to the Covid 19 emergency. When the service resumed in June, there was an increased level of demand and a significant backlog developed. This was coupled with the need to significantly reduce normal daily capacity to comply with occupational and public health requirements.
When the Driver Theory Test Service closed on the 21st of October due to the latest restrictions, the majority of testing centres had almost full bookings up to end December and some into January too as it worked its way through the initial backlog. The decision was taken by the service provider that those whose appointments were cancelled due to the latest restrictions would be rescheduled to the next available appointment date.
The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to examine ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints for when services are resumed. This will help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure the resumption of services as soon as level 5 is lifted.
43. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the status of the east-west link which is urgently needed in the north east; the most recent engagements his Department has made on this project; the persons or bodies with which his Department has engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35346/20]
View answerProposals to deliver an upgraded East-West route linking Dundalk to Sligo, taking in Cavan, involve linking elements of the national road network and regional roads along as direct a route as possible. Essentially the route involves upgrade/realignment works on the regional routes from Dundalk to Cavan and on national routes from Cavan to Sligo.
As regards the regional road aspect of the proposal, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
My Department provided funding to Cavan County Council (acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils) with over €2m in the period 2007-2014 to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design.
As indicated previously, the Department is currently liaising with the Council in relation to carrying out a risk based analysis for the route between Dundalk and Cavan. The most recent meeting with the Council was in October.
As regards the national road element of an east-west link, I have referred the question to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
44. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the reason for his refusal of the request of taxi representative groups to halt the issuing of new taxi licences in view of the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the industry; the reason for his refusal to dissolve the Taxi Advisory Committee and replace it with a structure more representative of the taxi industry as part of the national transport forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35794/20]
View answerI know that some taxi representative groups have called for a moratorium on the issuance of new SPSV licences. However, quantitative controls on the SPSV industry have not been exercised by Government for nearly two decades. Prior to the abolition of those controls the country, and Dublin in particular, suffered from a chronic undersupply of taxis. The abolition of those controls was necessary to address these supply issues and over the past two decades this policy has served passengers well. As I do not believe passenger interests would be served by the reintroduction of quantitative controls, I do not favour imposing a moratorium on the issuance of SPSV licences at this time. In any event at the moment demand for new taxi licences is very low and I understand current application levels are a fraction of previous application levels. It is therefore unclear how preventing new applications would deliver any benefit to existing operators.
I have no plans to dissolve the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles, sometimes known as the Taxi Advisory Committee. This is because the Committee has played an important role in advising my Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) on the issues facing the industry and on how to assist it through the pandemic and ensure its future sustainability. In July, the Committee submitted a report with a number of recommendations to support the industry. The report and its recommendations formed the basis of useful engagement across Government and I am pleased that many of the report’s recommendations, such as a waiver of vehicle licensing fees for 2021, have been implemented.
The Advisory Committee, which is established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, enjoys a broad membership with members representing driver interests, dispatch operators, passenger interests, and official stakeholders such as local Government and An Garda Síochána. This diversity of representation, combined with members' commitment to having a well-functioning and effective SPSV sector, is a real strength of the Committee. Accordingly, the Advisory Committee has been and will remain the central focus for my engagement with the SPSV sector in relation to issues affecting the sector, including the impact of COVID-19. I made my views clear on this issue when I met with taxi representatives last week. I also noted that there are a number of vacancies of the Committee which could be filled by SPSV driver representatives and I encouraged the representatives to consider applying for these vacancies.
The National Transport Authority, as statutory regulator for the sector, will of course continue to engage with the industry and communicate regularly with individual SPSV operators in relation to the ongoing impact of COVID-19.
45. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for the completion of the southern relief road for Bandon, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35062/20]
View answer118. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the continuation of the southern relief road bypass for Bandon, County Cork. [35103/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 118 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
46. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the status of metro north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35427/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport and in terms of policy, I can assure the Deputy that the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future prioritises plans for the delivery of MetroLink and I look forward to seeing the project progress during the lifetime of the Government.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the delivery of MetroLink.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
47. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to ensure that the metropolitan area transport strategies produced by the National Transport Authority are compatible with Government policies on transport emissions and modal shift; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35519/20]
View answerThe Deputy knows that I am committed toward increasing the share of persons using sustainable modes of transport – be that on foot, on bicycles or on public transport – and I am determined that this Government will deliver a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland as committed to in the Programme for Government. At the heart of that change will be the development, and, even more importantly the delivery, of a well-planned multi-modal transport network that can facilitate a switch to sustainable mobility for as many people as possible.
As the Deputy is aware the Metropolitan Area Transport Strategies have been, or are being, developed by the National Transport Authority, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders including local authorities. I very much welcome the development of these transport strategies to guide transport investment and the delivery of transport infrastructure in all the major cities. This move toward evidence based, plan-led transport planning for our major cities allows for consideration of the issues highlighted by the Deputy and the potential role all modes of transport can play in addressing them. I would also note that providing this type of long-term investment framework represents international best practice in the area of transport planning.
Obviously all strategies and plans produced by agencies must comply with relevant Government policy. In that regard, it is important to understand the fundamental role of transport strategies in setting out the infrastructure requirements needed in metropolitan areas to enable significant modal shift in line with overarching Government policy.
However, what transport strategies cannot do is make people use the infrastructure or assume that all people will simply switch to using the new and improved infrastructure. The issue of behavioural change is complex and, internationally, is recognised as an issue which requires considerable time to influence and significantly change in any meaningful way.
This interplay between infrastructure requirements and behavioural change can influence perspectives on the positive potential of transport strategies. As an example the draft transport strategy for the Deputy’s own city of Limerick proposes a cycling network capable of facilitating 33,000 cyclists per hour travelling to/from the city centre on vastly improved cycling infrastructure. The Deputy will acknowledge that this level of cycling in Limerick would represent an utterly transformed scenario than the current levels of cycling within the city today.
The Deputy can be assured that all of Government is committed to achieving the fundamental change in transport required in the coming years and I believe that the metropolitan area transport strategies, and their integration with relevant land-use plans, will have an important role to play in that regard.
48. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the development and funding of the Dodder cycle route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35784/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including cycling infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
49. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure the development of cycling networks separate from greenways in rural areas. [35797/20]
View answerThe Deputy is right to highlight the active travel potential in rural towns and villages across the country and this issue is something I have been raising with my Department in recent months. It is my view that we need to shift our current focus on greenways as primarily tourism and leisure orientated facilities, and instead consider how they can act as facilitators of active travel in their local communities and link people with local shops, schools and workplaces.
As well as that, I am also keen to ensure that local authorities across the country - and not just the five main cities - can access multi-annual funding to deliver improved active travel infrastructure in towns and villages. As the Deputy is aware, the new Programme for Government – Our Shared Future sets out an ambitious and wide-ranging set of commitments in relation to walking and cycling, supported by an increased multi-annual budgetary allocation amounting to some €1.8 billion over the lifetime of the Government.
I am determined that an element of this increased funding will be made available to local authorities outside of the five cities and would hope that this year’s allocations under the July Stimulus demonstrated my intent in this regard.
Next year, local authorities will be able to access funding to help develop active travel network plans to assist with the roll-out of infrastructure in the years ahead, and they will also be able to apply for funding to deliver improved infrastructure next year. Details of this funding package will be made available shortly and I very much look forward to working with local authorities as we look to deliver fundamental change to the nature of transport across Ireland.
