Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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69. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of cycling and walking officers employed by Dublin City Council who are funded by his Department; the number of outstanding vacancies for such roles; and the actions that have been taken to ensure such positions are filled. [1996/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.

Local Authorities have been employing Active Travel Officers (also known as Walking and Cycling Officersor just Cycling Officers) before the current NTA Active Travel resourcing programme commenced in 2021. This was set out as a requirement in the 2009 National Cycling Policy Network.

With regards to Dublin City Council, it is my understanding that two Walking and Cycling Officers are currently being recruited. Efforts to fill positions have been hampered by factors which are out of the control of my Department and the other organisations involved, such as shortages in the labour market. My Department continues to liaise with the NTA, who in turn are working with local authorities including Dublin City Council, in an effort to address these issues.