Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

387. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure by his Department from 1 January to 31 August 2019 under headings (details supplied); and the projects funded under B8.1 Smarter Travel and Sustainable Urban Transport, in tabular form. [53599/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy  is aware, funding provided under these subheads is related to capital expenditure programmes and part of a multi-annual capital funding programme.  The timing of expenditure on programmes such as these are by their nature dependent on a number of variables and therefore monthly or quarterly expenditure must be viewed within that context.  The majority of the funding allocation each year tends to be drawn down toward the year end.  Reporting of annual expenditure outturns is made publicly available each year through the Department's audited Appropriation Account and related reports to, and appearances before, the Oireachtas.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, including cycling infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the allocation of funding at project level, working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.

I can advise the Deputy that, since announcement of Budget 2020, the overall funding for my Department's two principal active travel related programmes is now likely to increase to over €100 million in total.  This improved funding allocation does not include the Bus Connects programme which itself will deliver 200km of largely segregated cycle lanes across Dublin. It also does not encompass various other funding sources that can be supportive of walking and cycling, such as €23 million for 2020 under the Greenways Strategy and funding that is provided outside my Department, like the Urban & Rural Regeneration and Development funds. 

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