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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.

Investment in Active Travel infrastructure, including footpaths, has increased significantly in recent years, with around €290 million allocated to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for such projects this year alone. While the majority of this funding is dedicated to the development and construction of new walking and cycling Active Travel infrastructure, just under €40 million was earmarked this year for protection and renewal of existing Active Travel footpaths and cycle lanes. The 2024 allocations to each local authority, including Cork City and Cork County Councils, can be found on the NTA website.

In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local road network. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.

While my Department provides grant support for road maintenance and renewal programmes under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme it does not have a specific grant programme for the restoration and repair of footpaths or related works; however, local authorities have the option to fund these types of works from certain road grant programmes. In addition, local authorities are required to carry out road safety audits and road user audits for certain State funded regional and local road works; these audits identify potential hazards to all road users, with particular attention being paid to the needs of vulnerable road users.