Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
249. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport the measures being put in place to protect Irish bridlepaths as we develop other walking and cycling paths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16311/21]
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 conjunction with the relevant Local Authorities, including cycling and walking infrastructure; however they are not responsible for the development of bridlepaths.
The Minister for Rural & Community Development provides such supports under the Outdoor Reacreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). The ORIS provides funding for the development and/or enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as cycleways, walking trails, blueways and mountain access routes, including in rural areas. It can also support bridlepaths as referred to by the Deputy. The scheme provides funding for small, medium and large-scale projects, with maximum funding of €500,000 for any single large-scale project.
Since 2016, the Department of Rural and Community Development has invested circa €67.8 million in 973 projects under the scheme. On 22nd March last,14 projects under ORIS 2020, Measure 3, were approved for funding of €6 million. This followed on from earlier announcements under Measure 1 and 2 in which 212 projects to the value of €9.7 million were approved.
It is expected that ORIS 2021 will be launched in the coming weeks.
