Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Achieving regional balance requires us to invest in the regions and improve the infrastructure of the regions, be it necessary public transport links or road infrastructure. As the Deputy knows, we have an overarching programme for Government commitment that the ratio of new investment in transport will be 2:1 in favour of public transport, relative to road infrastructure. There is also, however, €360 million per annum that will be used for active travel measures. We see that being rolled out by my colleagues, the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, in welcome investment in greenways and improved pedestrian and cycling facilities throughout the country. I acknowledge the Deputy's consistent representations on the issue and I am happy to try to work with him and the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, to see whether we can make any progress over the period ahead.

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