Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the disappointment of the Senator and the people of Newbridge that the second bridge over the River Liffey was not included in the second call of the URDF. Unfortunately, the project was deemed unsuccessful following a comprehensive assessment process that concluded it did not adequately meet the criteria for URDF support. I suggest that the local authority continue to engage with the Department and look at other mechanisms. There is significant funding available for active travel. It should look at a myriad of solutions. Road infrastructure is one part of the solution for a traffic problem but there is a wider set of solutions, particularly with regard to schools and active travel, such as cycling and walking, and trying to reduce car dependency in Newbridge town centre.That type of added innovation will give an extra dimension to any new application the local authority submits to the URDF. I cannot give the Senator a definitive answer on when the next round of calls will be, but I urge local authorities to continue to engage with my Department and, in regard to active travel, with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.