Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 6

Written Answers. - Roads Projects.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

79 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the commitment contained in county development plans espousing development of pedestrian and bicycle facilities; and the measures, if any, he proposes to ensure a balanced provision for the needs of cyclists and pedestrians alongside provision for cars. [20666/99]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

The main instrument for the regulation and control of development is the development plan. Each local planning authority is required to make a development plan and to review and update it every five years. In general, the plan indicates the objectives of the planning authority for the use, solely or primarily, of particular areas for particular purposes, whether residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural or otherwise, for road improvements, development and renewal of obsolete areas and for preserving, improving and extending amenities. The adoption of a development plan is a matter for the elected members. The setting of standards in relation to pedestrian and cycle facilities is therefore a matter for each individual planning authority to deal with in the context of its development plan.

In March 1998, the Dublin Transportation Office, on behalf of my Department, produced a cycle facilities design manual that was sent to all county councils, county borough corporations and borough corporations. The manual comprises a comprehensive set of guidelines for the design and provision of cycle facilities.

The Planning and Development Bill, 1999, contains provisions to enable planning authorities in their development plans to provide objectives for: facilitating the provision of sustainable integrated transport, public transport and road traffic systems and promoting the development of local transport plans; and establishing the line, width, level and construction of, the means of access to and egress from, and the general dimensions and character of, roads, including cycleways and busways, and, where appropriate, other transport networks, whether new or existing.

The development plan is not the only means of implementing a local authority's policies on pedestrian and cycling facilities. Cycling and walking are important means of transport for travel to work, school, shops and other activities. They are environmentally friendly and health promoting. Particular attention is being devoted, within the DTI strategy, to promoting both cycling and walking as a means of transport.

In relation to the Dublin area in particular, the DTO established the DTI strategic cycle to oversee the development of an integrated cycle network by each of the relevant local authorities. Local authorities in the Dublin area have identified a comprehensive 180 km network of cycle routes. This network concentrates on commuter routes in order to effect a modal shift from the private car. Some 72 km of cycle routes have been completed to date and the DTO has earmarked some £10 million for cycle facilities in the next two years in order to substantially complete the DTI cycle network by the end of 2000. It is only when the full cycle network is completed that the benefits of the cycle routes will become apparent.

As indicated in the DTI final report, a city centre pedestrian network is being developed by Dublin Corporation, with some funding being provided by the DTO. The DTO is currently updating the original DTI strategy; this will lead to the publication by the end of 1999 of an updated strategy for the period 2000 to 2016.

The planning of individual projects must include consideration of the needs of cyclists and pedestrians where appropriate. Local authorities now have a statutory obligation to have regard to the needs of all road users when performing their road construction and maintenance functions.

It is clear from the above that a wide range of measures in relation to pedestrian and cycling facilities are being pursued.