Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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777. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage of the 2017 transport budget that is allocated to cycling; and if he will provide a detailed breakdown of this allocation. [10279/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Funding is allocated for cycling infrastructure and initiatives under a number of different programmes administered both directly by my Department and by the National Transport Authority (NTA).  Under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme, my Department provides funding to the NTA for the seven local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area for the implementation of sustainable transport measures which includes cycling and walking infrastructure.  €19m has been allocated to this programme in 2017 to deliver significant portions of the GDA cycle network.  A portion of these funds will also go towards the provision of cycle parking in urban centres. A further €9.1m has been allocated to the Regional Cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford for similar works during 2017.  In addition, approx. €9m will be spent by my Department on Smarter Travel initiatives.

The overall capital allocation for investment in public transport and sustainable transport in 2017 is €355m with over 10% of this allocated to the sustainable transport programmes outlined above.  The total capital funding available for land transport expenditure across my Department in 2017 is approx. €1 billion. While my Department is the main funder of cycling initiatives across Government, it is not the sole funder.  Funding is also made available directly by local authorities and some other Government Departments and agencies. 

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the administration of the STMG and Regional Cities Programmes, I have sent the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply in relation to the cycling projects being funded under these programmes.  Please advise my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.

With regard to the Smarter Travel initiatives being funded directly by my Department, a sum of €9.33m is available  in 2017 to support programmes which have a cycling focus such as National Cycling Network and Active Travel Towns.  Funding is also being provided for behavioural changes programmes such as Bike Week, Workplace and Campus Travel and Cycle Parking for schools.  A new cycle training programme is also being rolled out in 2017 with funding support from my Department.