Patrick Costello
Question:78. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking in improving pedestrian safety and infrastructure on rural roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14082/23]
View answerWednesday, 22 March 2023
Questions (78)
Written answers
The past three years have seen a significant increase in my Department's funding for both cycling and walking, in line with the Government’s prioritisation of Active Travel and Greenways. In 2021 I was delighted to announce the first ever major Active Travel investment programme for rural Ireland through the National Transport Authority (NTA), to support sustainable transport projects in 19 local authorities outside the Greater Dublin Area and regional cities. In 2022 this investment was incorporated into the NTA's core Active Travel Programme and funding has continued to be allocated through to this year. Details of these allocations are available at: www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Combined_2023_ActiveTravel_Allocations.pdf
The overall increase in funding across urban and rural Ireland will not only support the construction and improvement of safe and connected walking and cycling infrastructure but also the deployment of dedicated Active Travel staff in local authorities around the country. The Active Travel funding also includes funding for the Safe Routes to Schools Programme launched in 2021, which aims to accelerate the delivery of safe walking, scooting and cycling infrastructure on key access routes to schools. It has had a great response, with applications received from schools in every county in Ireland. 275 schools were selected for the first two rounds of the programme and are at various stages of project completion.
My Department also provides funding for Greenways through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and funding of €63 million has been allocated for around 70 Greenway projects across the country in 2023. Greenways are for use by people walking and cycling and also provide an option in rural areas for connections to towns and villages. TII are also including pedestrian and cycling infrastructure as part of certain National Road construction and renovation works. In addition, a number of regional and local road improvement schemes which are currently under construction or have been recently completed, incorporate provision for cycle tracks and footpaths.
In addition, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have been focusing on pedestrian safety through the provision of high visibility material to the public as well as their road safety education programmes which are being delivered to all members of the community through its Nationwide Road Safety Education Service and its Shuttle. High visibility materials are given out free of charge online. This service is also being promoted through social media, making people aware that they can also book an educator to deliver education presentations. Up to the end of February 2023, 24,805 people have received road safety education by the RSA team. This would include pedestrian safety as well as all other road safety behaviours.