Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cycle Facilities.

Conor Lenihan

Question:

1030 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Transport if national guidelines will be introduced to harmonise the increased provision of cycle lanes in towns and cities and ensure that there is uniformity of provision as between local authorities in the Dublin area. [19675/03]

Conor Lenihan

Question:

1032 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Transport the measures he proposes taking to further encourage the use of bicycles by commuters in built-up areas; and if he has a specific plan of action with regard to this issue. [19677/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1030 and 1032 together.

The provision of cycle facilities is primarily a matter for local authorities. Significant work on the provision of cycle lanes and cycle parking facilities has been undertaken by the Dublin Transportation Office in conjunction with the local authorities in the greater Dublin area. This work has been facilitated to a great extent by traffic management grant funding administered by the DTO.

To date, 170 kms of cycle network have been constructed in the greater Dublin area, together with 2,500 cycle parking spaces. Over 25,000 morning commuters – 4% of the total – travel by bicycle. The total investment in cycling facili ties is €22.4 million. The DTO is currently conducting a review of the regional cycle strategy and facilities, together with development of an action plan for cycling 2003-06.

In 2000, the Department of Environment and Local Government also introduced regional traffic management grants for the first time for the city councils of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. Under this scheme, funding is provided for the upgrading of pedestrian and cycle facilities, traffic signalling, bus lanes and traffic calming in residential areas.

In addition, a revised cycling design manual, which will seek to harmonise standards of facilities, and will be national in application, is in preparation and should be published by the DTO later this year.