Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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257. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to publish, or lay before the Oireachtas, any legal advice received by his Department or the NTA regarding the lawful basis for funding public realm works where the planning authority is in breach of its statutory planning obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31631/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions 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, including the development of walking and cycling infrastructure.

While no legal advice has been received at a Department level regarding the lawful basis for funding public realm works where the planning authority is in breach of its statutory planning obligations, I have referred your question to the NTA for reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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258. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to complaints made to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Public Accounts Committee, and the Ombudsman concerning the legality and governance of NTA funding decisions, particularly those referenced in correspondence from a Councillor (details supplied) dated 7 May 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31632/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions 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, including the development of walking and cycling infrastructure.

Over €290 million has been allocated by the Department of Transport to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2025 for Active Travel measures around the country. The NTA allocates this funding to all local authorities, works with them to identify walking and cycling projects and oversees their delivery. As part of the allocations determination, the NTA liaises with each local authority to fully understand the projects being proposed by the local authority and its considerations in terms of priorities.

While I am not aware of any complaints made concerning the legality and governance of NTA funding decisions, you may wish to engage further on the matter and can do so by contacting me at Minister@transport.gov.ie.

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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259. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether NTA embedded staff are required to comply with local authority planning policies; whether any guidelines exist to govern oversight and accountability of these activities by elected members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31634/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions 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, including the development of walking and cycling infrastructure.

With regard to Active Travel staffing within Local Authorities, sanction was given in 2021 for around 320 dedicated Active Travel staff to be recruited by Local Authorities. While there is an agreement between my Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Local Government Management Agency that the NTA provide funding for Active Travel personnel, these positions are recruited and employed by Local Authorities.

As Local Authority employed personnel, they would be required to comply with Local Authority planning policies and act within any guidelines which exist to govern oversight and accountability of these activities.

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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260. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether he has received any reports or complaints that the NTA has dividing large public works into smaller phases to bypass environmental and planning assessment requirements under the Planning and Development Acts and the SEA Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31635/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions 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, including the development of walking and cycling infrastructure.

The NTA have developed a guidance document on the matters that must be considered when pursuing any Active Travel Initiative and in determining whether any screening for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and/or screening for Appropriate Assessment (AA) is required. This will assist Local Authorities and their consultants in the carrying out of EIA and AA.

I have not received any reports or complaints that the NTA has been dividing large public works into smaller phases to bypass environmental and planning assessment requirements under the Planning and Development Acts and the SEA Directive. However, if you wish to engage further on the matter, you can do so by contacting me at Minister@transport.gov.ie.