Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department of Transport has responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions in regard to active travel. Funding is administered through the NTA, which, in partnership with the local authorities, has responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area. I hope that consideration will be taken of the experience of people like the Senator, who is an active resident, citizen and public representative in respect of the benefits we can see from the investment in that footpath programme. The modal shift away from private car use toward sustainable transport modes such public transport, walking and cycling is a key aim of Government. As of the end of last year, €1 billion had been spent on walking and cycling infrastructure since 2020. This investment is hugely beneficial to society, our health and our environment and, in particular, will contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions as part of the Government’s climate action plan. It will also support projects, as the Government will, in both urban and rural Ireland as the Government seeks to change the nature of transport in Ireland. The footpath renewal programme, footpaths, greenways and active travel are very important. The Senator is right. When we go beyond the speed limit in many villages and small towns, there is a gap and a deficit. In my constituency on Waterfall Road from Heatherfield to Bishopstown, there is a huge gap, and similarly in the Senator’s Enniscorthy electoral area.

I again thank him for raising the matter and providing me with an opportunity to address the matter in the House. I hope we will work together to ensure that we can do a dedicated footpath renewal programme within our small, local regional areas - in particular, as the Senator said, in the non-larger urban areas. I thank him for that.