Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022
116. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the amount ringfenced for cycling investment in 2022; the amount that will be available in 202; if he will provide similar figures for active travel measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38758/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis year I have made €289m available to local authorities through the National Transport Authority (NTA) to progress the delivery of approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects throughout the country in addition to an investment of €60m in Greenways. The NTA has responsibility for the allocation of funding to specific projects and oversight of their development, in cooperation with the relevant local authorities. Noting their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply in relation to the investment in cycling in 2022.
While the details of budget 2023 have not yet been finalised it is expected that similar levels of funding will be available for investment in cycling and walking in 2023.
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).
