Máire Devine (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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355. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of safety works and reconfiguration of an area (details supplied), where a cyclist died two years ago and a cyclist was injured earlier this week, An Coimisiún Pleanála fast-tracked approval of an upgrade in advance of BusConnects but it is the only canal junction not yet upgraded; the status of the safety audit for the area; for a fourth crossing along the canal; for a narrowing at a nearby housing complex so schoolchildren can cross the road safely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62028/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the provision of funding and setting of policy in relation to Active Travel. While the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the allocation of this funding to projects at a local authority level and overseeing their delivery.

I strongly welcome the significant increase in funding for walking and cycling infrastructure projects in recent years. Approximately €290 million was provided to the NTA’s Active Travel Programme this year alone, supporting projects in every local authority. The NTA work with local authorities in identifying projects on an annual basis in the context of future funding allocations.

As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across five cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of BusConnects comprises Core Bus Corridor schemes, which will also deliver improved cycling facilitates along their routes.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved all 12 Core Bus Corridor schemes, including the Tallaght-Clondalkin to City Centre Scheme, which encompasses the area referred to by the Deputy. Planning for the construction of the scheme is the responsibility of the NTA.

Noting the role of the NTA in both the Active Travel and BusConnects programmes, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.