Paul Kehoe
Question:270. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if there will be additional funding for active travel announced for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4800/22]
View answerTuesday, 1 February 2022
Questions (270)
Written answers
The Programme for Government committed to an investment of €360 million per annum in walking and cycling over the lifetime of the Government. I consider this investment to be hugely beneficial to our society, our health and our environment, and in particular will contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions as per the Government's Climate Action Plan. It will support projects across the country, in both urban and rural Ireland, as this Government seeks to change the nature of transport in this country.
I was delighted to announce funding of €289m through the National Transport Authority (NTA) earlier this week for approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects, and this is expected to be the full allocation for the year. This will contribute to the development of almost 1,000km of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure across Ireland by 2025.
Projects allocated funding under this investment programmes were identified by the local authorities in cooperation with the NTA. I look forward to seeing the planned projects progress and to developing high-quality walking and cycling networks around the country through the increased annual funding over the lifetime of the Government.