John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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1210. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding being provided in 2018 and 2019 for the provision of cycle lanes; if there is a scheme open to local authorities to apply for funding for cycle lanes; and if not, when such a scheme will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15019/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the provision of cycle lanes.

I  am pleased to inform the Deputy that over €110 million in capital funding is directly allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford over the period 2018-2021. This programme will provide active travel routes to help alleviate congestion by providing viable alternatives and connectivity with existing public transport infrastructure. Allocation of funding and details of individual projects are managed by the National Transport Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.

A further €135 million capital funding is allocated over this same period for investment in Sustainable Urban Transport projects, and these will include projects that will provide either direct or indirect improvements for urban cycling. This programme builds on investment to date to deliver improvements in public and sustainable transport infrastructure in the regional cities and the GDA. It includes traffic management, bus priority and other smarter travel projects, which will allow transport infrastructure to function more effectively and will help relieve traffic congestion.  Again, allocation of funding and details of individual projects are managed by the National Transport Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.

Furthermore, investment of more than €750 million on the BusConnects Programme in the same period, will deliver a transformative investment package that will finance new and expanded bus routes, greatly improve bus access, and includes designated segregated cycle lanes.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.