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Cycling Facilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2012

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

Questions (113)

Robert Troy

Question:

113. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve urban cycling conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52639/12]

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Written answers

The Government set out its commitment to invest in the National Cycle Policy in the Programme for Government.  The greatest potential for increasing cycling numbers will occur within urban areas as these trips are usually of a distance which lend themselves to cycling.  Bearing this in mind,  my Department has taken a two-pronged approach to include investment in the infrastructure for and promotion of cycling.

My Department works with the National Transport Authority (NTA) which provides funds to local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area and regional cities, while my Department provides direct funding to the other towns. In addition to NTA funding, this year my Department announced investment in sustainable transport of €65 million over the next 5 years, the majority of which will be invested in cities and towns around the country under the Smarter Travel Areas and Active Travel Towns programmes.  Cycling infrastructure and the promotion of cycling are key elements of each of these programmes.  Funding is also being made available for the development of the National Cycle Network to improve urban, inter-urban and rural cycling facilities.

The NTA has published a comprehensive design manual for the provision of cycle routes, particularly in urban areas, and this is available at www.cyclemanual.ie.  Dissemination of best practice and facilitation of appropriate cycle infrastructure design training are also key roles of the Smarter Travel Local Authority Network developed by my Department.

My Department and the NTA are also committed to expanding the very successful Dublin Bikes scheme and to introducing similar schemes in regional cites. 

 

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