Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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596. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views in relation to active, and public, transport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8765/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is committed to a sustainable transport agenda and has devoted significant funds to developing and improving public transport and to supporting cycling and walking initiatives especially in urban areas.  

In addition to maintaining and developing the bus and rail network (including DART and LUAS) funding has been provided for many projects which are helping to make public transport more attractive for users such as the Leap card, Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) the National Journey Planner, Taxi Apps, better stations and bus stops, and a safer cycling and walking infrastructure. Additional bus and cycle lanes have been created and existing ones upgraded. The city bikes rental scheme has recently been extended to the regional cities of Cork, Galway and Limerick after its  success in Dublin.

Other cycling and walking initiatives funded by my Department include the An Taisce Green Schools Programme which encourages sustainable transport, particularly cycling and walking among primary and secondary school students, the Active Travel Towns programme aimed at developing cycling/walking strategies in small to  medium sized towns and the the Regional Cities Programme which supports sustainable transport in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.   

Notwithstanding progress to date I fully accept that much work remains to be done. It is my intention as economic growth returns to seek to increase funding for sustainable transport projects.

In relation to safety issues on the LUAS, I have referred your question to the Railway Procurement Agency who have contracted Transdev to operate LUAS services, for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply from the RPA within ten working days.