Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
141. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide for an active travel maintenance fund and or provide guidance to local authorities in respect of using unspent allocations to maintain active travel infrastructure; and if he has engaged with the NTA on this matter. [50553/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for the overall policy and funding of Active Travel infrastructure. The allocation of this funding to the various local authorities falls to the National Transport Authority (NTA) who are responsible for overseeing the delivery of both new projects and upgrading of existing infrastructure.
Investment in Active Travel infrastructure has increased significantly in recent years, with around €290 million allocated to the NTA for such projects this year alone. While the provision of new infrastructure is a priority in order to encourage modal shift away from private car use and towards active travel, it is essential that such infrastructure is maintained to a level where it is both attractive and, most importantly, safe to use.
While funding for the maintenance of active travel infrastructure, which is a current funding stream, was not secured in Budget 2024 due to a high level of competing demands both within my Department and across Government, my officials are working to identify alternative funding streams which could be utilised for this important purpose.
