Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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204. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the active travel scheme is still funding the upgrade and installation of footpaths; if not, when and the reason this policy was changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6288/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for the 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) who are responsible for overseeing 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 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.

Separately, 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; however, local authorities have the option to fund these types of works from certain grant programmes.

Local Authorities are advised to engage with the NTA each year in the context of funding allocations.