Pauline Tully
Question:207. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if consultation has taken place with disabled persons representative organisations in relation to the Active Travel Programme. [57013/23]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
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Written answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
It may interest you to note that at a policy level, my Department published the National Sustainable Mobility Policy in 2022 which has two particularly relevant high-level goals, namely –
Goal 5: Take a whole of journey approach to mobility, promoting inclusive access for all; and
Goal 6: Design infrastructure according to Universal Design Principles and the Hierarchy of Road Users model
Implementation of that policy is supported by Government’s commitment to allocate €360 million per annum toward walking and cycling across the lifetime of the Government.
In terms of individual projects, responsibility for their development and delivery lies with the National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities.
However, at a Departmental level, my Department has established a National Guidelines and Standards Group (NGSG) to oversee and coordinate all design guidelines and standards (including accessibility, cycling and other Active Travel projects) which have been developed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the NTA and Department of Transport.
The Group seeks to improve the consistency of approach across state bodies, including with the National Disability Authority (NDA), to lead to a more streamlined and consistent approach to the design and delivery of projects through the setting of minimum common requirements including on audit and quality control. I am currently seeking to further strengthen the Group, including through expanding the membership to include representatives from various organisations including the NDA.
You are likely also aware that the newly revised Cycle Design Manual (CDM), previously the National Cycle Manual, has been published recently and local authorities were being trained in its use towards the end of 2023. This new Manual was developed through consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including disability groups such as the NDA, and efforts were made to make the contents of the CDM as beneficial to all potential road users including those with disabilities.
Delivery of improved active travel networks continues apace across the country, supported by active travel teams now established in every local authority. The roll-out of improved and continuous active travel networks brings benefits to all users of such networks, including persons with disabilities and I look forward to seeing continued delivery in the years ahead.