Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
544. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding made available and drawn down for cycling measures in 2017, 2018 and projected for 2019 under programmes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2569/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware I have secured significant improved funding allocations over the period 2018-2021 which will benefit both cyclists and walkers.
These improved allocations over this period include:
- €110 million specifically dedicated to cycling and walking infrastructure in our major urban areas;
- €135 million for sustainable urban transport measures;
- €750 million approximately towards the BusConnects programme in Dublin which will include the delivery of around 200 kilometres of segregated cycling lanes, where possible; and
- €53 million to support the development of new Greenways.
In addition to the above, Government has also made additional money available for cycling projects through both the Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Funds under the National Development Plan.
End year figures for 2018 are currently being finalised; in the meantime, the provisional expenditure outturn for sustainable transport measures that benefit walking and cycling are as follows:
- €18.1 million spent specifically on cycling and walking infrastructure in our major urban areas;
- €19.3 million spent on smarter travel and sustainable transport measures, which will benefit both cyclists and walkers.
Funding under these two programmes will increase again in 2019 with approximately €48 million being allocated.
The Deputy may be aware that investment in cycling infrastructure before 2018 was delivered under a number of different programmes and schemes, namely the Smarter Transport Measures Grant (STMG) Programme and the Regional Cities Programme. The capital expenditure on these programmes along with the Smarter Travel programme in 2017 was €20.5 million.
Notwithstanding the different programmes in place over the period, the following table shows the comparable relevant expenditure for 2017 and 2018 and the allocation for 2019 -
|
Year |
2017 Expenditure |
2018 Expenditure* |
2019 Allocation |
|
Total Expenditure / Allocation |
€20.5m |
€37.4m |
€48m |
*2018 figures subject to finalisation
I believe that the improved multi-annual capital expenditure figures outlined above will positively assist with the better development and provision of cycling infrastructure across the State, while improving the safety for all road users.
