Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
201. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the investment in walking and cycling projects in 2020; if the target of €1 million per day was met; the allocation for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21206/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government committed that €360 million in cross-Government funding will be spent on walking and cycling per annum over the lifetime of the Government. This investment will help support the delivery of almost 1,000 kilometres of improved walking and cycling infrastructure by 2025 as well as additional investment in Greenways.
In Budget 2020 my Department was allocated €130 million to support walking and cycling projects. This year, we have seen a significant increase in funding, in line with the Government’s prioritisation of Active Travel and Greenways. I was delighted to announce earlier this year an allocation of €240 million to Active Travel projects in the Greater Dublin Area, along with an additional €72.8 million to projects in the other local authorities. The latter funding stream constitutes the first ever major Active Travel investment programme for rural Ireland. An additional €50 million has been allocated to the Department’s Greenways programme. This increase in funding will not only support the construction and improvement of walking and cycling infrastructure but also the deployment of almost 250 Active Travel staff in local authorities around the country.
The Deputy should also be aware that local authorities can also access funding sources through other Departments to support walking and cycling infrastructure development. The two most significant are the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which falls under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The latter Department also supports leisure orientated walking and cycling through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
The Government remains committed to the delivery of safe and connected active travel infrastructure in order to encourage behavioural change and increase the number of those who choose to walk and cycle regularly as part of their daily routine. The step-change in funding committed in Budget 2021 is proof of this commitment and I look forward to the delivery of the numerous projects around the country which will be in receipt of the increased funding allocation.
