Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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31. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to report on his Department’s delivery of active travel and greenway programmes. [36420/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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. I also have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and in line with Section 32(2) of the Road Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

The allocation of €360 million in 2025 for Active Travel and Greenway infrastructure demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to expanding sustainable transport options.

Approximately 1,000km of walking and cycling infrastructure was delivered between 2020 and 2024. 8 bridges, 2,494 bike stands, 272 zebra crossings and 323 junction upgrades were delivered in 2024 alone. In addition, approximately 200km of walking and cycling infrastructure is expected to be delivered in 2025.

Significant ongoing projects include the South Kerry Greenway, the Grand Canal Greenway in Counties Dublin and Kildare, the Waterford Sustainable Transport Bridge, Broadmeadow Estuary Greenway and South Dublin County Councils Grand Canal to Lucan Urban Greenway.

My Department is also committed to funding programmes such as CycleRight, Bike Week, Green Schools and the Safe Routes to School Programme. Continued delivery of education initiatives and infrastructure under the active travel and greenway programmes are critical enablers in developing and promoting walking and cycling facilities which offer safe, sustainable and healthier transportation options to communities in cities, towns, villages, and rural areas.