Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
185. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the local authorities which have begun works to segregate cyclists and pedestrians from motorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19571/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy is enquiring which local authorities have accessed the financial and technical supports announced by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in response to the COVID-19 Emergency, rather than the much broader programme of active travel infrastructure improvements generally that occurs every year.
In recent months the NTA has been engaging with local authorities to provide support in delivering required infrastructure improvements such as providing additional transport capacity and also facilitating social distancing in urban areas.
The NTA wrote to all 31 local authorities to offer its financial and technical support and this support is being funded through my Department's sustainable mobility investment programme. The approach taken was to engage with all local authorities to see what their requirements were and to grant aid in full various temporary intervention proposals, subject to those proposals being agreed with the NTA in advance of implementation.
In relation to the number of local authorities that have accessed the NTA’s programme I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply in relation to the matters raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Separately, the Deputy will also be aware that under the July Stimulus an additional €82million has been announced to support pedestrians and cyclists in urban and rural Ireland in the coming months. The Stimulus programme will further support local authorities across the country as they respond to the needs of local communities and businesses in the months ahead. Funding under the Stimulus programme must be expended by year end.
