Holly Cairns
Question:287. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent in 2021 on active travel projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2624/22]
View answerWednesday, 19 January 2022
Questions (287)
Written answers
2021 saw a significant increase in delivery and expenditure on Active Travel infrastructure, with the provisional spend for 2021 at €186m. This is a near quadrupling of expenditure when compared to the €45m spent in 2019 and a near doubling of the €107m spent in 2020.
Approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects were progressed during the year across the country, in our cities, towns and rural areas. For the first time the National Transport Authority funded Active Travel measures outside the Greater Dublin Area and the Regional Cities of Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford. We are investing all around the country providing safer infrastructure for people to choose to cycle or walk as part of their everyday journeys.
We will see an even greater level of expenditure this year as many of the projects that started or progressed in 2021 will come to construction. We are also seeing additional staff in the local authorities, funded by the NTA, bedding into their roles and progressing more projects through planning and design towards construction.
Details of the Active Travel projects to be funded and delivered this year are being developed by the NTA at present. It is anticipated that circa €290m will be available this year to help roll-out walking and cycling infrastructure across our cities, towns and villages.
I am happy that 2021 has been a year of very significant delivery on cycling and walking infrastructure despite COVID and other challenges. It is apparent all around the country that progress is being made. I am confident that 2022 will see an even greater level of expenditure and delivery, providing people with greater opportunities to walk and cycle in their daily lives.