Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2020
79. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the specific funding measures in place to assist persons with disabilities in accessing local and public services under the programme for Government commitment for promoting active travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35656/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for raising this important point.
As the Deputy has noted the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future emphasises the importance of promoting active travel and commits toward significant increases in funding to deliver improved infrastructure in that regard.
Importantly, and as noted in my Department's recent paper on Active Travel, published as part of our review of Sustainable Mobility policy, "improved active travel infrastructure (e.g. high quality footpaths) can also increase accessibility for people with mobility impairments or disabilities".
Already as part of this year's July Stimulus, funding made available to support local authorities included projects dedicated to improving accessibility of town and village centres across the country for persons of all ages and all abilities. It is certainly my intention to continue supporting these type of projects in the years ahead, while local authorities must also adhere to the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets and its prioritisation of the principles of universal design generally when designing and implementing new infrastructure.
