Darren O'Rourke
Question:180. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport which local authorities have drawn down funding to establish active travel teams. [28901/23]
View answerThursday, 15 June 2023
Questions (180, 181)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:181. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport which local authorities have active travel teams in place. [28902/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including resourcing.
My Department announced funding in January 2021 for up to 248 new jobs in local authorities around the country to expand walking and cycling facilities all over the country. This increase in resourcing reflects the significantly increased funding of circa €360 per annum for walking and cycling over the planned lifetime of the Government with the additional staff focused on delivering and promoting active travel in Ireland and will work across design, communication, community liaison and construction oversight. Following further demand from some local authorities, the total overall allocation was increased to 320. As of the end of March 2023, approximately 240 of these allocated resources had been recruited.
Certain local authorities had Active Travel staff in place ahead of the ongoing NTA Active Travel resourcing programme which commenced in 2021, per the requirement in the 2009 National Cycling Policy Network. I am pleased to say that all local authorities currently have Active Travel teams in place, although some have not filled their total number of allocated positions. Funding for these resources is provided through the NTA Active Travel Infrastructure Programme funding, and I have therefore referred your question in relation to funding drawdowns to that agency for a more detailed response. Please contact my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 180.