Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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328. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the policies in place in relation to the way in which the division of cycle facility design work between the NTA, local authorities and consultancy companies is planned; and if and the way in which these policies ensure that local authorities develop and maintain the capacity to evaluate cycle facility design proposals contained in planning applications they receive. [28471/19]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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334. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rationale for the establishment of a cycling design office in the National Transport Authority; if the design of cycle facilities is proposed to be carried out by the NTA and its consultants or by local authorities and their consultants, or by a combination of the two; and if the former, the way in which the work is to be divided. [28477/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 328 and 334 together.

As the Deputy is aware the National Transport Authority (NTA) has certain statutory functions in relation to cycling facilities and the promotion of cycling and it exercises these functions in close co-operation with local authorities.

The Deputy will I am sure acknowledge the good work already undertaken through the development and publication by the NTA of the National Cycle Manual and the publication of the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streetsas jointly developed by my Department and the then Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. These are both important manuals in guiding officials within local authorities in relation to our urban built environment and the promotion of best practice in the provision of active travel infrastructure.

As stated within the Climate Action Plan 2019, the NTA is now establishing a dedicated office to assist with the timely provision of improved cycling infrastructure arising from the significantly improved funding now being made available. The structure and management of the office is a matter for the NTA. I understand the initial focus of the work will be within the five major urban centres of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford and development of their strategic cycling networks; also, a full programme of work will be developed this year which will address the specific issues raised by the Deputy.

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.