National Cycle Network

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2013

Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Questions (733)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

733. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is in a position to provide further information on work on route alignment and design for a Dublin to County Galway cycle route; if further details of the proposed routes are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6654/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Planning for the proposed Dublin-Galway cycle route is currently being carried out by the National Roads Authority (NRA) and National Transport Authority (NTA). The NTA is responsible for the provision of cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area and is therefore proceeding with the planning of the Dublin City Centre to Maynooth section of the proposed route.  The Grand Canal is the intended route for the cycle way from Dublin city-centre to Maynooth. Preliminary design work on the route will be completed in 2013.  This will allow robust cost estimates to be developed.

Decisions on the statutory approval and construction timelines will be taken during 2013, dependent upon the progression of the design work and funding profiles. The NRA is currently undertaking detailed route alignment and design work for the Maynooth-Galway section of the route, with a view to delivering the route in sections, as funding allows. The Royal Canal tow path is the selected route for the section of the facility between Maynooth and Mullingar.  Design of this section is currently underway and will be the subject of planning processes in Meath and Kildare this summer.  If successful, and if funding for construction is available, construction work on this section could commence in autumn 2013.

The section from the Meath/Westmeath county boundary to Mullingar is currently under construction. Route selection has commenced on the section between Mullingar and Ballinasloe.  One option that is being examined is the use of the disused railway between Mullingar and Athlone. Route selection west of Ballinasloe is at an early stage with constraints and opportunities being mapped.