Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
249. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will allow applications by local authorities to retrofit active travel funding to older estates for the repair and enhancement of roads and footpaths especially in estates that are commuter estates. [1256/24]
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.
As the pipeline of projects seeking funding under the Active Travel (AT) Programme continues to grow, we are now moving into a period of project prioritisation, where funding will be focused on areas where it will have the greatest impact on the primary purpose of AT, which is modal shift away from private cars.
While this may favour projects in urban areas, there is no requirement that funding must be spent in larger towns and cities and viable projects in commuter towns and villages can also be considered by the NTA for inclusion in their Active Travel Programme.
I will bring this matter to the attention of the NTA for their consideration in the allocation of AT funding to projects that encourage modal shift and I would also encourage Local Authorities to engage directly with the NTA in this regard.
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.
