Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
133. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport the decision process involved in determining the allocation amounts in relation to the additional outdoor infrastructure fund; the reason partial allocation was not considered rather than either the full allocation or no allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36403/21]
View answerIn April, I was delighted to announce a new ‘Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund’ of up to €15 million to support local authorities in enhancing outdoor urban space and improving walking and cycling infrastructure. The fund will assist the safe outdoor re-opening of society as Ireland emerges from the COVID-19 public health restrictions.
Local authorities were invited to apply under the funding stream for short term measures which will help create safe outdoor urban spaces for the public. The measures will need to be quickly implemented and provide areas in villages, towns, and cities where people can walk, cycle and gather outdoors while practising social distancing. The funding will allow for changes to traffic management arrangements to facilitate the reallocation of road space to improve facilities and safety for urban pedestrians and cyclists.
The fund complements other Government initiatives such as Fáilte Ireland’s new €17 million Outdoor Dining Enhancement Investment Scheme and the €14 million Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund for areas outside our cities and towns/villages, recently launched by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund is being administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of its overall national funding programme. The deadline for applications passed on 14th May 2021 and on 26th May 2021 the NTA issued allocations to eligible projects in 30 local authorities totalling almost €13.39m.
Given the NTA's role in the application and evaluation process, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
