Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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90. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if cuts to the cycling budget over the past two years will be revised; if a statutory instrument for placing a minimum passing distance on a legislative basis will be published; and if he will publish the national greenway strategy. [25404/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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In relation to funding, I have no doubt the Deputy welcomes the increases I have secured over the 2018 to 2021 period. The next four years will see over €110million allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. In addition, I have also secured funding of €135million over the same period for sustainable transport projects in the five cities. These projects will  also improve, directly and indirectly, both the cycling and walking infrastructure in the cities in question, and the efficiency and safety of their existing infrastructure.  

As well as that, the significant investment planned in the BusConnects programme will also deliver an extensive new network of cycle lanes, greatly improving the safety of our cyclists. My Department also spends over €2.5million per annum on behavioural programmes to encourage a modal shift and to increase safety and awareness among all road users.

In relation to the minimum passing distance, draft regulations providing for an amendment to article 10 of the Road Traffic (Traffic & Parking) Regulations 1997 were submitted to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for consideration and settling. As that process identified a number of complex issues, legal advice was sought within the Office of the Attorney General. The Department is currently giving consideration to that advice and will shortly be engaging with the AGO to resolve outstanding issues.

Finally, as regards the National Greenways Strategy my Department is currently finalising the Strategy and  I expect to be in a position to publish in the coming weeks. The Strategy will provide a framework for the development of Ireland's greenways ensuring the best possible return for State investment. 

Furthermore, the Strategy will determine the type of project that will be funded over the coming decade by my Department and will set out guidance and options for project promoters in relation to the challenges faced in delivering greenway infrastructure.  It will also emphasise the need for early and wide consultation by project promoters with communities and affected landowners.