Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 February 2010
289 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the completion of the Sutton to Sandycove cycle and walking track, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6300/10]
View answerMy Department meets with Dublin City Council on a regular basis in relation to a number of cycling projects, including the Sutton to Sandycove route, which I am anxious to progress. I am pleased to report that progress is being made on the route. A key section of the Sutton to Sandycove route (i.e. from Sir John Rogerson's Quay via the Samuel Beckett Bridge to Fairview) forms part of the Dublin City premium cycle route from Portobello to Fairview Park that I have pledged to support in 2010. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is also providing funding for this section.
With regard to other sections of the route I have previously expressed my concern to Dublin City Council about the potential cost of proposals that are emerging in relation to some of these. I am particularly concerned in relation to any expectation that the provision of premium cycling infrastructure along this route must necessarily involve very substantial costs associated with design approaches which are not appropriate to the current economic circumstances or are primarily related to coastal protection works. My officials will continue to engage with Dublin City Council to get solutions which offer the best value for money for cycling and walking.
290 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if funding is available for schools wishing to erect a bicycle shelter on campus. [6098/10]
View answerMy Department, through the then Dublin Transportation Office, supported in 2008 and 2009 the provision of cycling parking facilities in schools which actively participated in An Taisce's Green-Schools Travel Programme and which demonstrated a commitment to the promotion of cycling. 790 spaces in 39 schools were provided in 2008 and a further 1,790 spaces in 114 schools were provided in 2009.
Data from that programme indicates that the best results are achieved from providing cycle parking in schools in conjunction with cycling training — which, along with other alternative sustainable travel options, my Department also supports through the programme. Where this was done, a six-fold increase in cycling rates was achieved in urban schools and almost a three-fold increase in rural schools. I envisage that support for cycle parking in schools in 2010 will be channelled through the Green Schools Travel Programme and through a number of projects that will be delivered with support from the Smarter Travel Projects Fund. I am pleased to say that I am making €2 million available this year to support the Green Schools Travel Programme.
