Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 June 2015
254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when funding for greenways is next likely to become available; if all funding currently available for same is committed until the end of the 2015 calendar year or the 2016 calendar year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23995/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if multinationals, based locally, have been approached within the context of the provision of additional funding for greenways, with particular reference to the proposed Dublin to Leixlip, County Kildare cycle route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23996/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together.
Cycleways/greenways across the country are, generally speaking, delivered by Local Authorities either using their own resources; from funding awarded to local authorities under my Department's funding calls; or through a mixture of both. Opportunities can also arise for Authorities to secure funding under EU Programmes such as the EU Structural Funds Programme 2014-2020, Interreg and the Rural Development Programme. Smaller local projects may access funding from the LEADER Programme.
To date no consideration has been given by my Department to multinational companies making any contribution towards the delivery of cycling infrastructure, including the route mentioned by the Deputy. However, large employers are encouraged to develop Work Place Travel Plans which would involve incentivising staff to cycle to and from work through engagement in the Cycle to Work Scheme and provision of on site bike parking and shower facilities.
All current funding available to my Department for the delivery of cycleways/greenways is fully committed up until 2016. Details of all projects funded under the recent tranche of the National Cycle Network funding programme and the Government Stimulus package can be viewed on www.smartertravel.ie. Given the success of the projects delivered to date, it is possible that funding may become available from other sources over the coming years, including the programmes mentioned above. However, I am currently not in a position to comment with any certainty on future funding.
