Imelda Munster
Ceist:2481. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the spend on cycle lanes, walking infrastructure and greenways to date in 2019. [33960/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 July 2019
Ceisteanna (2481)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware I have secured significant improved funding allocations over the period 2018-2021 which will benefit and protect 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 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.
Further funding for leisure related walking and cycling infrastructure is available through the Department of Rural Community and Development-led Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Capital investment plans, such as those I have described that are now in place for supporting walking and cycling, are funded as part of a multi-annual capital funding programme. The timing of expenditure on these programmes is dependent on a number of variables and in-year monthly or quarterly expenditure must be viewed within that context. Each year the majority of funding related to my Department's walking and cycling programmes is drawn down toward the year end and overall reporting on programme expenditure is then made available through the Department's publicly available annual Appropriation Accounts and related reports to, and appearances before, the Oireachtas.