Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The climate committee has called for 10% spending on cycling infrastructure. A motion has been passed in the Dáil calling for that too. I welcome the fact that the Minister has engaged with me and others on the issue. However, we are still looking at funding which is woefully under that level, while the Project Ireland 2040 estimates include provision for only 5%. How can we increase that funding level? The Minister mentioned a delivery officer but can we also have a cycling officer? I welcome the Liffey cycle route, which will be important, and the intersecting pieces. Can the Minister elaborate on how to take this further? When will BusConnects be rolled out in other cities? We cannot afford to wait. I ask that BusConnects routes are given to the greatest possible extent to public operators who are able to respond to changing environmental standards. Public services have the flexibility and capacity to scale. Importantly, they have the transferability required. I ask the Minister to address those issues.