Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
241. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport to report on the progress of the pathfinder programmes, particularly with reference to increasing momentum to the delivery of projects at a local level, providing templates for replication and scaling up elsewhere; further to Parliamentary Question No. 180 of 29 June 2023, how this incorporates experimental and innovative approaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34940/23]
View answerThe SMP Pathfinder Programme was launched on 17 October 2022, consisting of 35 exemplar transport projects to be delivered by local authorities, and other bodies, around the country. Taken together, the proposals offer the potential to transform how we move, work and live by making it easier to leave the car at home and choose a different mode of travel. In addition to showcasing the appetite for change which exists throughout the country, the programme closely aligns with evidence-based best practice for reducing emissions from transport through systemic change.
The Pathfinder Programme has already seen significant progress, with two projects complete since its initiation. In January, the first full electrification of a town bus service was launched in Athlone, providing clean and green public transport services for the town, and paving the way for a similar transition in other services across Ireland. In May, the National Transport Authority launched a new Smarter Travel Mark. This Mark will provide certification to organisations that support active and sustainable travel and encourage the reduction in single-person car usage amongst their staff, customers, visitors, and students in the case of third level campuses.
Progress has also been made on the Smart and Sustainable Mobility Workshops pathfinder, a three-year education and capacity-building programme for local authorities and key stakeholders, including local councillors, who are working and innovating in this space. The first workshops will be rolled out later in 2023.
Delivery is also well underway on several infrastructure projects, including the Waterford North Quays Pathfinder which held a ground-breaking ceremony in March 2023. The first portion of the Longford Town Core Cycle Network - the N63 Majors Well Road project – has been completed and the full pathfinder remains on track to be delivered by the end of 2024. Two sections of the Cork to Waterford Inter-Urban Demonstrator Pathfinder, namely Bilberry to Waterford City and Dunkettle to Carrigtohill, were completed in June 2023, with further sections due for completion in 2024 and 2025. This pathfinder is helping to create a seamless cycling link between Cork and Waterford.
A key milestone was reached for a Dublin City Centre pathfinder project on 29 May, with the implementation of traffic management measures including a 24/7 bus gate in the College Green/Dame Street area. This project includes measures that will give more space to pedestrians and improve the efficiency of public transport in the city centre.
All projects are making good progress, with the expectation that they will be completed within the lifetime of the Programme (2023-2025).
