Written Answers Nos. 191-210
191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which progress continues in respect of the provision of high quality and high speed broadband in all areas; if action is progressing on the areas between the existing service area in which only a short distance separates consumers from areas receiving full service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24171/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my earlier response to his question on the same matter. The Government's National Broadband Plan aims to ensure high speed broadband access of a minimum of 30 megabits per second to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location through a State led intervention and commercial investment.
In April 2017 I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This Map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the NBP. The Map is colour coded and is searchable by address or eircode. I also signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide high speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. As of end March this year eir has passed 145,00 premises and has committed to completing this rollout. Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at the fibrerollout.ie website.
The procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State led intervention area is now in its final stages. My Department will engage with the successful company on the most efficient rollout of the network.
In the interim, high speed broadband services continues to be rolled out through significant commercial investment by commercial operators to a value of €2.75 billion in the last 5 years. By 2020, 9 out of 10 premises the length and breadth of Ireland will have access to high speed broadband.
For those premises awaiting access to high speed broadband, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
192. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the €117 million allocated to energy efficiency as outlined in budget 2018; the amount of the allocation that has been spent; the way in which the moneys were spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24220/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 -2027 recognises that improving the energy efficiency of the built environment is a central plank of Ireland’s action on climate change. Energy efficiency will also realise benefits for air quality, health, social inclusion, business competitiveness and better public services, all of which will make a real and positive impact on people’s lives. Ireland’s White Paper on Energy Policy, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030, National Mitigation Plan (NMP) and Long Term Renovation Strategy (LTRS) all recognise the fact that extensive renovation of our building stock will need to take place in order to meet both national and international targets for energy savings and emissions reduction by 2050. This must occur across all sectors.
I secured significant additional resources in Budget 2018 for energy efficiency investment. I allocated €117 million, of which €107m is capital, to the energy efficiency programmes to increasing energy efficiency across the residential, public and commercial sectors with a view to ramping up activity in order to address the ambition of the NDP. This represents an increase of over €50m since 2015 (or 34%). My Department works closely with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, who administer the energy efficiency programmes, to profile spend across all programmes for the year. The bulk of spend on energy efficiency programmes has historically taken place in the second half of the year and I would expect this to be the case this year as well.
My Department and the SEAI are also working to further encourage the uptake of the respective programmes by engaging with various stakeholders. An important element of this is SEAI’s new Behavioural Economics Unit which was established in 2017. Its focus is to better understand the motivations of key decision makers so policy interventions can take advantage of new communications insights. This Unit is already informing improved effective communication with target groups and has provided guidance to market players on how to more effectively communicate to decision makers the benefits of making more energy efficiency choices.
The spend to end April 2018 across these sectors is outlined below. Further spend has been approved but not yet paid out by SEAI.
|
Sector |
Capital Spend for 2018 to end April - (€m) |
|
Residential |
15.268 |
|
Commercial |
0.050 |
|
Public |
0.028 |
|
Total |
€15.346m |
193. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the €17 million allocated to supporting the transition to a low carbon economy as outlined in budget 2018; the amount of the allocation that has been spent; the way in which the moneys were spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24221/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2018 €16.6m was allocated to support the transition to a low carbon economy via two measures, the rollout of the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat and supports to incentivise the uptake of electric vehicles. This spending has been allocated to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland who will deliver these measures. An allocation of €6.8m was made to the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat of which €0.288m has been drawn down to date. The spend to date relates to preparing the administrative and organisational framework required to operate the scheme. The scheme is expected to become operational in the second half of the year at which point support payments to eligible projects under the scheme will commence.
An allocation of funding of €9.8 million was made to support the increased deployment of electric vehicles of which €3.294m has been drawn down to date. These supports include the funding of the electric vehicle purchase grant, the electric vehicle home charger grant, supports for public charging, and a new the Electric Vehicle Public Awareness Programme.
So far this year, the electric vehicle purchase grant has supported the purchase of 711 new electric vehicles drawing down €3.075m.
The electric vehicle home charger grant scheme commenced in January of this year to support the installation of home charge points for buyers of new and second-hand electric vehicles for which, to date, €0.141m has been drawn down.
The Low Emissions Taskforce, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, is examining options in relation to potential support measures for public charging for which, to date, €0.025m has been drawn down.
In April 2018, the SEAI launched the first phase of the Electric Vehicle Public Awareness programme which will raise the profile and understanding of electric vehicles. This campaign includes a website (www.DrivingElectric.ie ) providing information on buying and driving an EV including the models available and links to dealers to arrange a test drive. There will also be an advertising campaign - “The Face of Driving Electric” - which will highlight how electric vehicles are compatible with virtually everyone’s daily lives. Public road shows and fleet trials will be rolled out later in the year providing more people the opportunity to trial electric vehicles. Work is on-going in this area and to date €0.053m has been drawn down.
194. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the €15 million allocated to the national broadband plan as outlined in budget 2018; if the figure has increased or is likely to increase in 2018; the amount of the allocation that has been spent; the way in which the moneys were spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24222/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today, 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.
My Department has an allocation of €15 million in 2018 for the NBP. Expenditure to date in 2018 is €2.882m. This expenditure principally relates to the cost of acquiring external expertise to support the procurement process for the NBP State Intervention.
The NBP procurement process is complex and is supported by a specialist team including external expertise and advisors. These include a range of national and international experts with commercial, economic, environmental, financial, insurance, legal, procurement, state aid, tax and technical, expertise and experience. The procurement process is now in the final stages.
195. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the €5.6 million allocated to the support of small businesses to trade online and fund the provision of digital skills training for persons as outlined in budget 2018; the amount of the allocation that has been spent; the way in which the moneys were spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24223/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Trading Online Voucher Scheme is a demand-led scheme designed to support micro businesses to develop their online trading capability. The scheme, which is developed and funded by my Department, is delivered throughout Ireland by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). I have allocated €3 million to support an additional 1,500 businesses to trade online in 2018. So far in 2018, €796,363 has been spent on the scheme. €715,529 has been paid to LEOs in respect of payments to successful applicants under the scheme with an additional €61,831 for delivery of information sessions, promotion and administration costs. A further €11,314 has been paid to Enterprise Ireland which administers the distribution of funding to the LEOs under the scheme. €7,689 has been spent on national promotion of the scheme.
Businesses who successfully apply for a voucher have 4 months to implement their proposal in line with the terms and conditions of the scheme. Payment by the LEO to the business is made on the basis of vouched expenditure following successful implementation of its proposal.
The scheme targets a broad range of businesses including retail, food, professional services, arts and crafts, and manufacturing. Since 2014 over 4,300 businesses have successfully applied and over 10,000 businesses have benefited from training delivered by the Local Enterprise Offices. Businesses, both urban and rural, who participate grow their sales on average by 21%, increase employment by 35% and 3 out of 5 begin exporting for the first time.
The Getting Citizens Online Programme promotes digital adoption among citizens through basic digital skills training for citizens who have never used the internet. Training is targeted at people over 45, farming communities, small business owners, the unemployed, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged groups and is delivered in local communities across every county.
During 2018 my Department is committed to fund 12 community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations to provide 25,000 citizens with 10 hours of free digital skills training, at a cost of over €2.2m. To date in 2018, €690,608 has been paid in accordance with the funding arrangements and provisions of the respective grant agreements.
196. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the €34.8 million allocated to the Environmental Protection Agency as outlined in budget 2018; the amount of the allocation that has been spent; the way in which the moneys were spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24224/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA sum of €37.4 million has been allocated, through my Department, to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) under Subhead F3 in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2018. This is comprised of €34.8 million referenced in the Question and an additional €2.6 million, also specified in the Revised Estimatesand sourced from unspent 2017 appropriations to capital supply services (capital carryover). In addition, a further €7.14 million in Exchequer funding is provided to the EPA through the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, primarily to facilitate and support implementation of the Water Framework Directive and associated activities.
The EPA draws down the funds provided by my Department on a monthly basis in line with an agreed annual expenditure profile. To date, €14.69 million has been drawn down by the Agency for current and capital expenditure. Current expenditure includes pay and pensions costs, and costs associated with the provision of secretariats to both the Climate Change Advisory Council and the National Dialogue on Climate Action. Capital expenditure items include the EPA Research Programme and upgrades to the national air monitoring network.
EPA resources and expenditure are overseen in the context of my Department's overall responsibility for the Agency's governance. As part of this governance responsibility, a draft Oversight Agreement and Performance Delivery Agreement, as required under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, are being finalised by my Department in consultation with the Agency and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
197. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the €11 million allocated to address environmentally degraded landfill sites as outlined in budget 2018; the planned number to be addressed in 2018; the amount of the allocation that has been spent; the way in which the moneys were spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24225/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department has allocated funding for 18 sites across 12 Local Authority areas from the Landfill Remediation Programme 2018. It is proposed to progress the remediation of each of these sites during the current year. To date, just over €5m has been spent on 4 sites in 3 Local Authority areas. Major remediation works have been undertaken on two sites; Kerdiffstown Landfill in Kildare and Tymoole in Meath. Two other sites, Gowran and Ballyragget, both in Kilkenny have submitted Certification of Authorisation applications to the EPA in order to progress.
My department is in on-going discussions with the local authorities to ensure that the allocations made will be utilised during the year, and the sites identified which require funding in 2018 are progressed on schedule. Any surplus will be allocated to other sites identified to progress their investigations in preparation for full remediation.
My department continues to work with the Waste Management Planning Lead Authorities to develop a long-term plan for the remediation of other sites in need of attention around the country.
198. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reform the motor tax system to link the rate of motor tax payable to the value of the vehicle in view of the much higher rates liable on vehicles registered prior to 2008 in comparison with newer cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24065/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMotor tax for private vehicles is charged on the basis of engine size for vehicles registered prior to 2008, and on the basis of carbon dioxide emissions for vehicles registered since 2008. I have no plans at present to move away from charging motor tax on the basis of carbon dioxide emissions, which has proven to be very effective in reducing emissions levels, or to introduce an additional tier based on the price of a vehicle to the basis of charging motor tax.
Adjustments to the relative rates within the parameters of the existing system is a matter for consideration in a Budgetary context.
199. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for completion of the greenway from Athlone to Galway; and the budget in place for same. [24075/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA decision was taken in 2015 to pause the development of the Galway to Dublin greenway west of the Shannon to allow all stakeholders to reflect on the issues raised locally and to consider how best to progress this project, especially in terms of route selection and landowner consultations. The decision to pause was informed by a report submitted by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) following intensive consultation with landowners along the preferred Galway/Roscommon segment of the route.
Since 2015 progress has been made on other greenway projects, namely the sections of the Galway to Dublin Greenway in Kildare and Meath, and the opening of the Waterford Greenway. The high standard of accommodation works provided to adjacent landowners on the Waterford Greenway have demonstrated how measures can be put in place to significantly mitigate potential impacts on operational farm holders.
With this in mind I recently requested TII and the Steering Group managing this project to look again at the route options report to see if a route can be identified that works locally and has the support of key landowners. While the work of TII and the Steering Group is ongoing I am not in a position to comment on either the timeframe or budget required to construct the greenway between Athlone and Galway.
200. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Moran inquiry is being decommissioned; and if so, the final cost of same. [24077/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJudge Moran presented his Report to officials of my Department on Monday, the 12th of June 2017, which can be considered the completion date of his Inquiry.
The total cost of the Moran Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the receipt, distribution and sale of tickets for the Rio Olympic Games and ancillary matters amounted to €312,765. There are no outstanding amounts to be paid.
201. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has implemented the recommendations of the Moran inquiry. [24078/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs these recommendations, set out in Chapter 12.2 of the Moran Inquiry Report, are essentially related to governance arrangements in the Olympic Council of Ireland (O.C.I.), the primary implementation responsibility rests with that organisation. The O.C.I. is an independent, autonomous sporting organisation.
In the context of the State's funding of the O.C.I., which was suspended in 2016 and resumed in the latter part of 2017, I sought to ensure that the necessary reforms were undertaken in order to address the Moran Inquiry recommendations. In particular, I was satisfied that all twenty five recommendations in the Deloitte report, as referenced in Report from Judge Moran, were addressed. Additionally, the conclusion of the O.C.I.’s commercial relationship with the THG company drew a line under the unacceptable ticketing arrangements detailed in Judge Moran’s Report. In summary, I believe that there has been a complete transformation in the openness, transparency and accountability of the O.C.I. when compared to the situation before the Rio Games.
As with all sporting organisations, in receipt of State funding or otherwise, it will of course be necessary for the O.C.I. to maintain its commitment to the highest governance standards and to ensure that it puts athletes at the forefront of their thinking and planning. I am confident that the significant reforms already undertaken by the OCI will deliver a vastly different and better experience for Team Ireland at Tokyo 2020.
Judge Moran commented on the extensive resources of the O.C.I.’s parent body, the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.), in relation to future State funding of the O.C.I. I understand that the Board of Sport Ireland would take this into consideration in regard to the allocation of funding. In that context, the Deputy may wish to note that it is an aim of the O.C.I.'s Strategic Plan 2018-2024 to become financially independent.
202. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the decision to split the IAA into two, that is, regulation and safety and air traffic control; the analysis that was carried out; the consultation that was conducted; if legislation is needed; and if so, the timeline for same. [24079/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government Decision to separate the IAA’s regulatory functions from its for-profit, commercial air traffic control service is in keeping with broader Government policy on modernising sectoral regulation. The current regime dates from the 1990s, and it perhaps reflects norms from that era which are increasingly out of line with modern developments in EU and international aviation regulation. There are very few examples remaining in Europe of institutional structures that jointly provide air navigation services and oversee industry regulation.
The objective of the reform initiative is to create a single national aviation regulator responsible for economic, safety and security regulation, and separately a sole commercial air traffic control service. There is inherent conflict in the IAA’s current dual role as a commercial air navigation service provider and an independent regulator of the airline industry, including regulator of air navigation services. This reform initiative is about implementing best practice regulatory arrangements. It is intended to further promote Ireland’s position to the forefront of change and development in the aviation sector. It will further improve the existing high level of safety oversight as borne out by the audits of the IAA undertaken by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
I recognise that such structural reform involves a number of complexities and I am mindful of the need to manage the transition to the new arrangements carefully, including the enactment of supporting legislation in as diligent and expeditious a manner as possible. It is important to ensure that affected workers and the broader industry stakeholders are kept informed, and regular consultation to that end will be a feature throughout. It is equally important to pursue the implementation of policy that represents clear best practice, all the more so when safety is at issue, rather than shy away from necessary change in favour of the status quo or vested interests.
203. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the new EU regulation from 2021 in relation to the mandatory requirement of advanced driving safety features in cars and other vehicles being manufactured, imported and sold in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24085/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Commission’s road safety policy framework 2021-2030 is only a proposal at this point in time, therefore I am unable to report on any forthcoming Regulation that has not yet been drafted. However, please be assured that road safety is a major priority for me and my Department and that Ireland will continue to support all measures that aim to enhance the safety of road users.
204. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for an organisation (details supplied) for the purposes of training volunteers in view of the fact that the Department of Health is preparing legislation to make it mandatory for all first aid provided here to be done under PHECC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24111/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMountain Rescue Ireland receives funding in the region of €18k annually under the Coastal Inshore Mountain and Cave Grant scheme administered by my Department. The grant is intended to support the current expenditure of the organisation. Cost of training for volunteers can be offset using this grant. I have asked my officials to consider implications of the proposed legislation from the Department of Health once it is available.
205. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the awarding by CIÉ of a contract to a company (details supplied) to develop a site adjacent to Ceannt Station, Galway city; if CIÉ will retain full ownership of the site post development; if CIÉ undertook due diligence regarding the companies engaged to conduct the development of the site pre-awarding of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24128/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 13(1) and 13(3) of the Transport Act 1950 and section 11 of the Transport Act 1964 provide CIÉ with the statutory power to acquire, dispose or develop property subject to the consent of its Board. There is no statutory requirement for Ministerial consent; CIÉ's Board is the sole statutory decision-maker.
However, Section 8.22 of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies states that the Chairperson of the Board should seek the approval of the relevant Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in advance of any material acquisition or disposal of land, buildings or other material assets proposed by a State Body.
Section 8.23 of the Code also states that in addition to any specific guidelines which may apply to a particular State body, any acquisition or disposal of property must be conducted in accordance with Circular 17/2016 on Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property.
Both the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I conveyed our approval in June 2017, in accordance with paragraphs 8.22 and 8.23 of the Code of Practice, to allow CIÉ commence disposal of the property referred to by the Deputy.
I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply in relation to the specific issues raised regarding the conduct of the tender process. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person (details supplied) can exchange a French driver licence for an Irish driver licence without taking the driver test here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24157/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny EU driving licence, including a French licence, is directly exchangeable for an Irish equivalent, without the need to take a test.
Under EU law, Member States issue driving licences to those normally resident in their jurisdiction, and all EU driving licences are interchangeable. When a person who holds a driving licence issued by one Member State takes up residence in another they can - and should - exchange it for the equivalent from their new state of residence.
207. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of cyclist fatalities in each of the past five years and to date in 2018; the principal causes of such fatalities; and the steps he is taking to ensure the number of fatalities is reduced. [24203/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
208. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of serious injuries suffered by cyclists in each of the past five years and to date in 2018; the principal causes of such serious injuries; and the steps he is taking to ensure the number of serious injuries is reduced. [24204/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
209. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of injuries suffered by cyclists involving Luas tracks and that required hospital treatment in each of the past five years and to date in 2018; and the steps he is taking to ensure the number of injuries is reduced. [24205/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
210. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the prevalence of cycling here is monitored; the knowledge of his Department of the trends in the prevalence of cycling here; his strategy to increase the number of persons cycling here; and the number of persons commuting by bicycle. [24206/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to advise the Deputy that my Department uses various data sources to monitor the prevalence of cycling and the resulting trends. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) provides statistical information on cycling, including the National Travel Survey which illustrates the prevalence of cycling and the trends in cycling numbers.
My Department also monitors cycling numbers and trends using information collated by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority and published in the annual Canal Cordon Report. This report provides data on trends in mode share of vehicles and people crossing the Canal Cordon including the number of cyclists who pass the canal cordon in Dublin between 7.00am and 10.00am; The recently published report shows an upward trend of cyclists crossing the canal that continued between 2016 -2017 with numbers increasing by 3%. There has been a steady year on year growth in the number of cyclists crossing the cordon since 2010. In 2017 almost 12,500 cyclists crossed the cordon in the AM peak period. This represents an increase of 157% when compared with 2006, and represents an increase of over 57% in the last five years. Clearly cycling numbers have shown a steady increase in recent years.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that as part of my Departments overall strategy to increase the numbers cycling I have secured over €110m in capital funding which is specifically allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford over the period 2018-2021. This programme will provide "active travel" (i.e. cycling and walking) routes, which can help alleviate congestion by improving the viability of these particular forms of travel, and doing so in a way that provides useful connectivity with existing public transport infrastructure. In addition to this, €55m will be spent in this same four year period on Greenways outside of the 5 cities, and the greenway programme will be largely aimed at providing an enhanced tourism and leisure amenity.
A further €135m capital funding has been allocated over this same period for investment in Sustainable Urban Transport projects. These will include projects that will provide either direct or indirect improvements for urban cycling. This programme builds on investment to date to deliver improvements in public and sustainable transport infrastructure in the regional cities and the GDA. It includes traffic management, bus priority and other smarter travel projects, which will allow transport infrastructure to function more effectively and will help relieve traffic congestion. .
Furthermore, investment in the BusConnects Programme in the same period, will deliver a transformative investment package that will finance new and expanded bus routes, greatly improve bus access, and includes designated segregated cycle lanes. NTA calculate, that through BusConnects, over 200 kms of cycle tracks/lanes will be either built or current lanes improved upon.
In addition to funding for the provision of infrastructure, my Department continues to be active in promoting behavioural change to encourage more people to take up cycling and to cycle safely. Funding is provided on an annual basis to the NTA for the delivery of behavioural change programmes such as Workplace and Campus Travel Programme and the Green Schools Travel Programmes. My Department also engaged Cycling Ireland to develop a new national cycle training standard - "Cycle Right" – which was rolled out in January 2017. My Department also supports the great work that is being done by RSA in the promotion of safe roads for all road users, including the more vulnerable users such as cyclists and pedestrians. In addition my Department provides funding to local authorities throughout the country to assist in organising events and activities during Bike Week which further serve to promote cycling.
As part of an overall coordinated approach to the provision of an integrated sustainable transport network of cycling, walking and public transport, these various investments will support and lead to a further increase in the numbers cycling safely, thereby easing congestion, improving public health and enhancing the liveability of our towns and cities; the investment will, I believe, have a lasting transformative effect on our transport network over the coming years.
