Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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45. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the independent non-governmental organisations, including organisations with charitable status, non-profit organisations, religious bodies including churches, social enterprises, clubs, societies that his Department has supported with financial assistance from 1 January 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13250/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Deputy, In 2021 the Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with the Department of Transport launched a pilot initiative for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes and/or most marginalised and disadvantaged, via the Community Services Programme. Funding of up to €1m per annum (€3m in total) will be provided by my department over a three-year period and will be made available through the Community Services Programme, which is managed by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development.

In addition last year I was delighted to launch the Safe Routes to School Programme which aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing new or improved walking and cycling facilities. The programme is funded through local authorities as part of the Department of Transport’s allocation to the National Transport Authority, is supported by the Department of Education and coordinated by An Taisce’s Green Schools. €15m has been allocated to the 170 schools who were selected for participation in Round 1 of the programme.

My Department also provides funding for the Greenschools Programme. Funding of €1.65m was provided in 2020, 2021 and 2022. The Travel theme is funded by the Department of Transport and supported by the National Transport Authority. The ultimate aim of the theme is to increase the number of students walking, cycling, scooting, using public transport or carpooling on the way to school. The programme is operated and coordinated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce.

My Department does not provide funding to organisations with charitable status, non-profit organisations, religious bodies including churches, social enterprises, clubs and societies.