568. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is considering the inclusion in future funding for active travel schemes a requirement to measure emissions and the volume of motor, cycle/wheel and pedestrian traffic before and after the active travel implementation. [58408/26]

Active travel infrastructure projects aim to encourage an increase walking, wheeling, and cycling volumes while lowering private motor vehicle use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Data from the National Transport Authority (NTA) shows that active travel removes hundreds of thousands of cars from roads daily and cuts tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon.

While there are no plans to include the measurement of these metrics as a requirement in future funding, it is important to stress that the NTA selects active travel projects, in conjunction with the various local authorities, prioritizing schemes that offer the greatest modal shift toward walking, wheeling, and cycling for everyday trips. Funding decisions weigh local proposals against budget limits, strategic value, safety and regional connectivity. My Department will continue to work with the NTA to monitor the delivery and performance of the Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme and to ensure that investment in active travel infrastructure supports the achievement of national sustainable mobility and climate objectives.