Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004
355 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport when he proposes to implement effectively the promise made in the programme for Government that investment will take place in expanding the national network of cycleways in order to encourage more persons to cycle and to promote cycling as a safe and healthy mode of travel. [22630/04]
View answerThe provision of cycle ways and cycle parking is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authorities. My Department does, however, support the commitment to cycling in the programme for Government, and provides funding to local authorities in the greater Dublin area through the Dublin Transportation Office traffic management grants scheme. The total investment in cycling facilities from 1994 to end 2003 has been €26.4 million. More than €3 million is being made available this year to fund cycle network and cycle parking projects. In the greater Dublin area, currently well over 220 km of cycle network exists in the greater Dublin area. There has been success to date in getting more than 25,000 people, or 4% of morning commuters, to cycle to their destinations. This shows that incorporating cycle lanes as part of Dublin's quality bus network has been hugely instrumental in providing a safer environment for cyclists and in contributing, in yet another way, to modal shift from the private car.
In June 2005, Dublin city will host the 25th anniversary of "Velo-City", the premier international cycling planning conference series that takes place biennially in a European city. Velo-city will be hosted by the DTO, together with Dublin City Council and other state agencies, and cycling groups. As regards developments in other cities, I would point out to the House that in Cork the planning and implementation of green routes, which is being funded by my Department, incorporates the provision of dedicated space for cycle lanes as well as improved facilities for pedestrians.
Other cities are developing their public transport strategies, including the provision of cycling facilities. For example, Limerick City Council approved a cycle strategy for Limerick in May 2004 while the Galway city development plan and the Waterford planning land use and transportation study 2003 include proposals for improving facilities for cyclists.
