Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

137. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the controls and oversight his Department has of the way active travel funds are or are not being spent; the oversight and monitoring being undertaken to ensure that funds allocated are spent and not rolled over into other projects with future dates; the controls in place to make sure that protected cycle infrastructure is being developed for County Galway, particularly Oranmore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34906/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development, implementation and oversight of public and sustainable transport infrastructure, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities to ensure that projects are delivered as intended.

The individual projects and programmes are subject to compliance with the Public Spending Code, including its requirements in relation to appraisal and Sanctioning Authority approval points. The Department is in regular contact with the relevant staff in the NTA in relation to all aspects of the administration of the Active Travel programme, including expenditure and project progress.

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

Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

138. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the body that has control of the €100,000 that has been allocated for Oranmore under the additional outdoor infrastructure scheme; if an association (details supplied) has ultimate responsibility for implementing the works and spending the funds; the start date and finish date for the works at the Castle Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34907/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I was delighted to announce an allocation of €15m in April for the Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund. As the Deputy is likely aware the funding will support local authorities in enhancing outdoor urban space and improving walking and cycling infrastructure. This will assist the safe outdoor re-opening of society as Ireland emerges from current COVID-19 public health restrictions.

The Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund will be administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of the Department of Transport, and on 26th May 2021 the NTA issued allocations to 30 local authorities, including Galway County Council which received just over €500,000 under the Fund.

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