Seán Sherlock
Ceist:248. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if a capital envelope is available to local authorities for the repair and enhancement of footpaths. [1255/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 17 January 2024
Ceisteanna (248)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for the overall policy and funding of Active Travel infrastructure. The allocation of this funding to the various local authorities falls to the National Transport Authority (NTA) who are responsible for overseeing the delivery of both new projects and upgrading of existing infrastructure.
Investment in Active Travel infrastructure, including footpaths, has increased significantly in recent years, with around €290 million allocated to the NTA for such projects last year. While the majority of this funding is dedicated to the development and construction of new walking and cycling infrastructure, just under €40 million was earmarked at the start of 2023 for protection and renewal of existing footpaths and cycle lanes and a similar level of funding looks likely to be allocated for this purpose in 2024.
To reiterate, however, it is the responsibility of the NTA to allocate the capital funding for active travel to projects they deem most likely to have a positive impact on modal shift, therefore the local authorities should, and do, work closely with the NTA to identify such projects.
Separately, while my Department provides grant support for road maintenance and renewal programmes under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme it does not have a specific grant programme for the restoration and repair of footpaths; however, local authorities have the option to fund these types of works from certain grant programmes.