Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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213. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the Department-issued funding streams available to local authorities for the development of new footpaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48025/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding of Active Travel infrastructure. The allocation of this funding to the various local authorities falls to the National Transport Authority (NTA). The NTA disperses this funding to all local authorities, works with them to identify walking and cycling projects and oversees the delivery of both new projects and upgrading of existing infrastructure.

Investment in Active Travel infrastructure, including footpaths, has increased significantly in recent years, with around €290 million allocated to the NTA for such projects in 2025. The majority of this funding is dedicated to the development and construction of new walking and cycling infrastructure.

It is also worth noting that the funding model for Greenways and Active Travel infrastructure, including footpaths, on National Roads means that the local authority should submit for funding for a proposed scheme to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). TII works with the local authorities through their Regional Management Structure. This includes consideration of new schemes subject to capacity and funding constraints.

Additionally, the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme does not have a specific grant programme for footpaths; however, local authorities have the option to fund these types of works from certain grant programmes.