Patrick Costello
Question:192. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport which local authorities have drawn down funding to establish active travel teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10496/24]
View answerTuesday, 5 March 2024
Questions (192, 193, 194)
Patrick Costello
Question:193. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport which local authorities have active travel teams in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10497/24]
View answerPatrick Costello
Question:194. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the 248 new posts for active travel teams in local authorities by county, in tabular form; the number that have been filled to date; the number of vacancies at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10498/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 to 194, inclusive, together.
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.
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 staff. To date, approximately 240 of these allocated staff resources had been recruited and Active Travel teams are in place in each of the 31 local authorities in Ireland.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer in relation to funding and breakdown of staffing numbers. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
Question No. 193 answered with Question No. 192.
Question No. 194 answered with Question No. 192.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.