Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
215. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to improve pedestrian safety and infrastructure on rural roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24293/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe years 2021 and 2022 have seen a significant increase in my Department's funding for cycling and walking, in line with the Government’s prioritisation of Active Travel and Greenways. Last year I was delighted to announce the first ever major Active Travel investment programme for rural Ireland, to support sustainable transport projects in 19 local authorities outside the Greater Dublin Area and Regional Cities. All 19 local authorities have been allocated funding under the 2022 Active Travel Investment Programme and details of the allocations are available at www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-Active-Travel-Investment-Allocations.pdf.
The overall increase in funding across urban and rural Ireland will not only support the construction and improvement of safe and connected walking and cycling infrastructure but also the deployment of 320 dedicated Active Travel staff in local authorities around the country. In partnership with the Department of Education we also launched the Safe Routes to Schools Programme last year, which aims to accelerate the delivery of safe walking, scooting and cycling infrastructure on key access routes to schools. It has had a great response, with applications received from schools in every county in Ireland, and extensive engagement has taken place with all 170 schools that have been selected for round 1 of the programme.
My Department also provides funding for Greenways through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and funding of circa €60 million has been allocated to around 40 Greenway projects across the country in 2022, in nearly every single county. Greenways are for use by people walking and cycling and also provide an option in rural areas for connections to towns and villages. TII are also, as part of their funding of Active Travel measures, including pedestrian and cycling infrastructure as part of National road construction and renovation works. In addition, a number of regional and local road improvement schemes which are currently under construction or have been recently completed, incorporate provision for cycle tracks and footpaths.
Finally, it is important to mention that education is key and this is where the Road Safety Authority (RSA), the agency tasked with road safety education in Ireland, has an important role in reminding everyone of their responsibilities to other road users. The RSA ran a public awareness campaign in 2021 specifically directed at promoting increased safety on rural roads.
