Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will report on the increase from €10 million to €25 million for the smarter travel programme under budget 2010; if he will indicate the carbon reduction programmes that will be financed under smarter travel in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47995/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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When I published Smarter Travel in February this year I indicated that the ambition in that strategy required investment over a long period of time in a series of integrated measures. These measures, whether they involve promoting active travel through cycling and walking, behavioural change through workplace travel plans and use of more energy efficient technology all combine to reduce carbon emissions.

My Department commenced the implementation of Smarter Travel immediately following its publication. I announced a series of investments in cycling and walking infrastructure as well as two funds to support Smarter Travel. The first of these, the Smarter Travel Demonstration Projects Fund, yielded 121 submissions and 35 of these have been shortlisted. When I launched the fund I committed to investment of €3 million per annum. The second fund, the Smarter Travel Demonstration Fund, is estimated at €50 million over 5 years and is aimed at Local Authorities in getting then to adopt an integrated approach in delivering the targets in Smarter Travel at local level. 39 submission were received and 11 have been shortlisted for stage 2 assessment.

I am pleased to announce that the 2010 allocation for Smarter Travel measures has increased significantly. This reflects the Government's commitment to the new strategy despite the difficult economic circumstances. Details of progress on implementing the new agenda are placed on the website www.smartertravel.ie on a quarterly basis.