Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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41. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason his Department's combined spend on the smarter travel sustainable transport measures-grants and the regional cities programmes decreased by 21% in 2016 and is projected to be reduced by 18% in 2017 (details supplied) in view of the fact that these programmes constitute a large portion of his Department's spend on walking and cycling infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6093/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The overarching goals contained in Smarter Travel Policy continue to be the cornerstone of our transport policy. This is recognised and reflected in the Programme for Partnership Government where we commit to ensuring that the €3.6bn investment in the public transport system provided for in the Capital Plan will uphold the principles of Smarter Travel. The Capital Plan also specifically commits €100m in funding measures to support smarter travel and carbon reduction.

While it is recognised that there has been some decrease in the combined spend on the programmes outlined for the years in question, it should be noted that in 2017 €2.5m has been  allocated specifically to support carbon reduction in transport, a sum that would have previously been included under the Smarter Travel programme. In addition a sum of €10m allocated for Smarter Travel in 2014/2015  was a once-off allocation under the Government Stimulus Programme and this also impacts the figures the Deputy is quoting.

It is recognised that with renewed economic growth, particular challenges for the transport sector with regard to congestion and climate change are re-emerging While cost effective investment in walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure is clearly a priority, which is consistent with the goal of ensuring a more sustainable transport system, funding challenges remain, with many competing demands for the limited amounts of funding available. In terms of overall funding of public transport, I was able to secure an increase in funding of €54m for public transport infrastructure and services in Budget 2017. In 2017, €355m is being invested in public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure and €276m is being allocated to fund the operation of public transport services. The capital funding allocation includes funding for the LUAS Cross City project which, when completed, will increase the capacity and efficiency of the public transport network in the GDA. 

Progress has been made and continues to be made in encouraging people to use public transport and more sustainable forms of transport. We have seen a significant increase in cycling in Dublin with steady year on year growth with an increase of more than 125% between 2006 and 2015. There was also an increase of an additional 10 million passenger journeys on Public Transport in 2016, a 4.4% increase on 2015.