Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2023
178. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the underuse of the 2022 Active Travel budget according to figures released by the National Transport Authority; if analysis has been carried out of its under-utilisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14441/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government has committed to an investment of approximately €360 million per annum in cross-Government funding for walking and cycling up to 2025. This includes the Active Travel Programme delivered by the National Transport Authority, as well as TII's Greenways Programme and other smaller infrastructure and behavioural change interventions across my Department and other Departments.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. As mentioned above, funding is administered through the NTA, who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
In 2022, just under €290 million was allocated to the NTA’s Active Travel Infrastructure programme. This funding was allocated across all local authorities in Ireland, with over 1,000 active projects providing improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. While a number of issues slowed delivery in 2021 leading to an underspend, these were addressed in 2022 leading to the successful investment of all allocated funding on Active Travel projects. The NTA and local authorities managed to achieve, and indeed exceed, delivery and spending targets with almost €310 million invested in walking and cycling infrastructure projects in 2022.
In order to mitigate any potential for underspend and meet the €290m target, the NTA over-allocated to each local authority by a significant amount based on their experience and view of credible projects for delivery. Over-allocation will continue in 2023 but to a lesser amount, due to the increase in delivery pace and the progress of a number of projects to construction and finalization stage this year, leading to more certainty of target achievement.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
