Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2009
280 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the funding available for 2010 for cycle facilities and cycle training with an emphasis on children’s needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43021/09]
View answerIn common with all Departments, decisions regarding my Department's allocations for 2010 remain to be finalised in the context of the ongoing estimates process and the forthcoming Budget. Ireland's first National Cycle Policy Framework, which I announced in April of this year, makes clear the significant level of ambition that I have for cycling. The actions on behalf of cycling that I have taken since then, as reported on http://www.smartertravel.ie/progress-updates, demonstrate my commitment to achieving the goals of the framework.
In relation to education of young people regarding cycling standards, I view this as a key intervention that can deliver lasting benefits. On this basis, I have recently established a Working Group on the Establishment of a National Certificate for Cycling for School Children with representation from the Dept of Education and Science, the Irish National Teachers Organisation, the Road Safety Authority, An Taisce's Greenschools Travel Programme, the Dublin Transportation Office, a number of local authorities and my Department.
