Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)

I definitely hear the Deputy's frustration. I am delivering the script that was handed to me. I know that active travel and these greenways are very important for people's health and everything.

In this context, I want to say that over €360 million of grant support for the active travel and greenways networks for next year was committed in the recent budget. This funding helps support projects like the Sutton to Sandycove, S2S, cycleway, which I recognise is very important to the local residents on the route as well as the wider community. As outlined, this cycleway has seen significant progress through a series of schemes delivered under the active travel programme. The NTA, working in close partnership with local authorities, remains firmly committed to completing the outstanding sections of this strategic corridor.

Continued support will be provided to local authorities to advance these projects, subject to the availability of funding and alignment with national transport and climate objectives. Once completed, the route will serve as a landmark amenity for residents and visitors alike, offering a unique opportunity to experience Dublin’s coastline in a safe, active and environmentally conscious way. Realising this vision has required, and will continue to require, collaboration across Government Departments, local authorities, community groups and political representatives. Public support for the project is strong, reflecting a growing appetite for high quality active travel infrastructure and a more liveable urban environment. The Department of Transport recognises the importance of funding our active travel network, including the Sutton to Sandycove cycleway, to provide safe, interconnected networks that facilitate and encourage sustainable transport in people’s everyday lives.

I trust this clarifies the current position with regard to this particular cycleway. I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to discuss the matter on behalf of the Minister for Transport and I will convey his points on this issue to the Minister.

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