240. Deputy Daniel Ennis asked the Minister for Transport the total amount allocated by his Department on the repair of footpaths across the country and for a breakdown of that cost allocation, based on county council, in tabular form. [46670/26]

246. Deputy Daniel Ennis asked the Minister for Transport the total amount of funding spent by transport bodies on footpaths in 2025; and the breakdown of that spending, by area, in tabular form. [46731/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 246 together.

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. In line with Section 32 (2) of the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of active travel on national roads schemes is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Investment in Active Travel infrastructure has increased significantly in recent years, with around €360 million allocated to the walking and cycling projects this year alone. €15 million was earmarked at the start of 2026 by the NTA for protection and renewal of existing active travel infrastructure such as footpaths and cycle lanes.

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

In the interim, I want to assure the Deputy that while funding for the maintenance of active travel infrastructure, which is a current funding stream, was not secured in Budget 2026 due to a high level of competing demands both within the Department of Transport and across Government, Department officials are working to identify alternative funding streams which could be utilised for this important purpose and will continue to seek funding as part of the annual estimates process.

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.