Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy O'Connor referred to the July stimulus. This issue has come up. We have talked to local authority chief executives. There is concern about the November deadline and completing the July stimulus projects. I have said to them in my meetings with them that they should work as fast as they can and get as many of these projects up and running and under way. A legislative provision allows some capital to be carried forward into next year. I urge them to really try to get the works done and to prioritise them. I know some local authorities have left other projects, for which they have received funding, on the backburner to get this done. I know Cork County Council and Cork City Council have ambitious plans and put in very good submissions on active travel, and I commend them on that.

There is an issue throughout the country. It is not only about funding. Sometimes it is about the resources too, including the technical and engineering experience needed to roll out these projects. That is something we are looking at with the National Transport Authority. We are looking at how to do this strategically to ensure this funding is used. Local authorities have to lead but we may need technical expertise for active travel measures. That is something I am looking at currently. We need to do it in an effective way. It is not simply a matter of appointing someone. It should be the role of a person to roll out these active travel measures. I hear the message from Deputy O'Connor loud and clear. The funding is positive.

Deputy O'Connor mentioned the issue of bus services and public transport. We have this issue in my city of Galway as well. The issue is with public transport and having an efficient service. People will use it if it is available. The NTA will be looking at that. The local authority will be in regular contact with the NTA around lack of service provision and where it is needed in the county. We can address this through engagement and highlighting the areas where we have a population mass and people at work and where there is demand. I urge the local authorities to engage with the NTA in this regard as well.

I recognise the concerns raised by Deputy O'Connor around the airport. This is of critical importance to the Government. We need to ensure we support Cork. The DAA has done considerable work in respect of testing as well and this will benefit Cork as well as our regional airports when we roll it out.