Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for her contribution to this discussion. With regard to the wider active travel measures being promoted by the Government, this year has seen another increase in the Department of Transport's overall funding for cycling and walking, in line with the Government’s prioritisation of active travel and greenways. We saw the increasing number of people opting to make journeys by walking or cycling during the Covid-19 restrictions. That shows the potential to make real strides in the modal shift towards more sustainable modes of transport. The money is there and, as politicians, we have to be vigilant to ensure the funding remains. There are major opportunities in this area. We have come of age in the past number of years regarding what the Senator talked about, such as spurs and linking all the various greenways. I am not saying there was any blockage but the funding is there. Many people in the local authorities are now aware that this is what needs to be done. The Government is fully committed to this. I thank the Senator for raising the matter.