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

The important point to make is that the funding that has been provided represents an enormous opportunity for local authorities all over Ireland. The Deputy is correct in saying that there have been underspends across some local authority areas. To be fair, it can take time to build up the capacity to deliver certain projects and to get them through the various planning approval processes. The allocation of €360 million every year will support 1,000 km of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure by 2025, as well as additional investment in greenways. My Department is working closely with the Department of Transport in particular on the roll-out of the funding. As the Deputy can imagine, it is in touch on a regular basis with all of the individual local authorities around the country. I do not have a breakdown of the performance by local authority versus budget, but as the Deputy is aware, there is within the overall management of capital expenditure an opportunity to carry forward certain unspent funds. It is about having a pipeline of projects that can be delivered over several years. This is a fantastic opportunity to improve our walking and cycling infrastructure.

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