Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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46. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when walkability studies will be available for local authorities. [37162/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Deputy is likely aware that a walkability audit template has already been developed and is available for use by local authorities.

The walkability audit template has been developed by An Taisce Green Schools in partnership with other stakeholders including the National Transport Authority. My Department funds An Taisce’s Green Schools Travel programme and I understand that, as part of that programme, 214 walkability audits were conducted in participating schools last year with 129 conducted in 2018. The development of a template means that the audit can be applied by other bodies such as local authorities.

Specifically in relation to schools, and in line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future, Minister of State Naughton and I are very keen to bring the various existing strands of supports together and develop an overarching Safe Routes to School Programme.

I know that Minister of State Naughton met with the National Transport Authority recently in this regard and I look forward to working with stakeholders in the months ahead as we finalise and roll-out the programme.