Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2023
82. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the total amount of active travel funding awarded to Galway City Council to date; the amount of funding that has been drawn down by Galway City Council; if he will provide a breakdown of each project and the associated funding, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5764/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra83. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the number of new posts for active travel teams in Galway City Council and Galway County Council that have been filled; the number that currently remain outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5765/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Galway City Council currently have a compliment of 11 staff working on active travel projects. It is my understanding that they are recruiting an additional 6 staff at the moment and are hopeful that these positions will be filled in Q1, 2023. Once these positions have been filled, Galway City Council feel that they will have the necessary resources to manage the Active Travel programme in the current year, but as projects develop, particularly as they go to construction, they will recruit additional resources as required.
Galway County Council currently have 3 staff working full time on Active Travel Projects. However, the Council are about to appoint an additional staff member to the Active Travel team which will bring them up to the full complement approved.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter of the administration of funding to Local Authorities, I have referred your question on the awarding and draw down of funding to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
