Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 July 2023
63. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if a renewed emphasis could be placed by the NTA on the allocation of funding to rural towns and villages, as opposed to larger urban centres for active travel funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32883/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
The Government is committed to expanding our Active Travel and Greenway infrastructure network through the provision of walking and cycling facilities in our cities, towns, villages and rural areas. This commitment was demonstrated by the significant increase in funding to walking and cycling, with around €360 million allocated per annum over the lifetime of the Government.
Notwithstanding the above, while Local Authorities have the responsibility in identifying and submitting projects to the NTA for consideration, it is important to prioritise Active Travel investment in areas where it will have the highest impact in terms of modal shift away from private car use, which is often in our larger urban centres.
The 2023 Active Travel funding allocations to local authorities, available at www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Combined_2023_ActiveTravel_Allocations.pdf, will fund over 1,000 projects across the country ranging from high-profile segregated cycling projects in our cities to cycle lane and footpath projects in smaller towns and villages. The NTA will continue to work with the various local authorities to identify projects which will have greatest impact as funding of Active Travel continues in the coming years.
