Half of funding allocated to Donegal for Active Travel in 2021 was not spent by the local authority.
The local Green Party in the county has hit out at the inaction which is designed to stimulate infrastructure for walking and cycling.
The figures were released by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Of €5,311,100 in funding allocated for cycling and walking projects in Donegal in 2021, just €2,281,572 was spent.
Chairperson of the Green Party in Donegal Michael White has slammed the lack of spending.
He said “Donegal was allocated €5,311,100 for walking and cycling projects in 2021. However, according to figures released by the NTA, only €2,281,572 of this was spent. We need to do better for Donegal. Funding and resources were provided to support the rollout of dedicated local walking and cycling projects and we need to start seeing faster progress.
“As a result of decades prioritising cars in Ireland, many people in both rural and urban areas feel they have no option but to drive, even for short journeys.
“Since being in Government, the Green Party has been addressing this by delivering record increases in investment in walking and cycling projects, jumping from €45m in 2019 to €289m nationally in 2022. These projects include new and improved pathways, cycleways, safe routes to schools and lighting.
“There is €5,596,000 allocated to Donegal for Active Travel infrastructure in 2022. The money and the skills are there, now we need action. I’m asking the public to call on your local councillors, across every party, to demand safer paths and cycleways outside your homes, your schools, your places of work, to help create a safer and more liveable community. It’s time to put people first in Donegal.”
The transport sector represents 18% of Ireland’s carbon emissions, with road transport and private car usage creating the most significant carbon footprint.
An increase in walking and cycling could significantly reduce car use and boost overall public health, he added.
